The guidelines on sexual violence were adopted at the General Assembly of the Swiss Bishop’s conference in the monastery of mariastein, in the children’s meeting was the issue of protection in the Vatican. They come from 1. March, in force, as the Swiss bishops conference (SBK) announced on Thursday.
The existing and the victims ‘ representatives recommended the “right of veto” of adult abuse Victims is abolished. In the future, the Church is responsible to reimburse, in each case, display the case of the state law enforcement authorities, if you are aware of an official offence.
Previously, the guidelines stipulated that adult victims were able to appeal the filing of a criminal complaint. The practice have shown, however, that the cover-up danger there is, if there is no duty existed.
extract from the criminal register for each
The prevention of sexual Assault should be addressed in the future systematically, it is said in the Communiqué of the SBK. In the case of any employment in the Church environment in the future, a private statement, and must be submitted to the private extract from the criminal register. This applies also for already hired employees.
Each diocese and each religious and other ecclesial community must appoint a prevention officer and a private prevention concept. For example, the basic criteria for a professional maintenance of proximity and distance, and for a respectful relationship to be established.
of Basel and St. Gallen as role models
As the dioceses of Basel and St. Gallen on Thursday said that they have implemented the required measures for prevention against sexual Assault.
In the two dioceses of expert committees against sexual Assault had been established. Likewise, there are mandatory courses for a professional dealing with proximity and distance. And as a hiring condition, a special would be sought in private, extract from the criminal register.
the protection of victims above all
With the tightening of the SBK responded to criticism from victims ‘ organisations, on child protection, no concrete measures at the Vatican have been decided. The Alliance “It is enough!” announced the decisions of the bishops ‘ conference are first steps, but this was not enough.
in Both the world Church and orstkirchlichen Dimension, there is a need for a fundamental change of perspective. The protection and care for (potential) victims to be asked about everything, in particular any concern for the Perpetrator protection and institutional reputational damage.
(fal/sda)
Created: 28.02.2019, at 17:21