Highlights: Sexual abuse in the Church in France: a report advocates “restorative reparation”. Some 1,408 people have so far contacted the body, and 571 decisions have already been rendered (these people have been compensated) In its report, Inirr also highlights the interest of ‘restorative’ repair, in addition to financial compensation. The report specifies that 25% of them ask to receive a letter from the Church recognizing their damage. “The research I needed was not financial. It's dirty money, that's how I experienced it and that was the feeling I had when people talked to me about financial reparation. What I expected most, at the beginning, was that someone other than those close to me could hear me and say 'I believe you,'” recalls Damien.

The independent national body for recognition and reparation (Inirr) of victims of sexual violence in the Church published its annual report this Thursday, March 14 in France. Some 1,408 people…

Sexual abuse in the Church in France: a report advocates “restorative reparation”

The independent national body for recognition and reparation (Inirr) of victims of sexual violence in the Church published its annual report this Thursday, March 14 in France.

Some 1,408 people have so far contacted the body, and 571 decisions have already been rendered (these people have been compensated).

In its report, Inirr also highlights the interest of “restorative” repair, in addition to financial compensation.

This photograph shows a view of a stained glass window on April 4, 2023 in the Sainte-Catherine church, France.

By: RFI Follow

France

, the independent national body for the recognition and reparation of victims of sexual violence in

the Church

wants to help victims in all the steps that will allow them to obtain some sort of reparation.

But even if the support can be financial, it is not their only concern.

Restorative repair is just as important, as demonstrated by Jean-François Badin, coordinator of this restorative aid.

“

From the start of Inirr, we realized that for a certain number of victims, the financial aspect could not be the only response to the request for compensation for multiple reasons, but in particular because the Sexual violence has had a global impact on the person's entire life.
Financial reparation does not fully contribute to this reparation journey

,” he explains.

Be believed and listened to

This is particularly what Damien Mass, a victim of sexual violence supported by Inirr, felt.

“

The research I needed was not financial.
It's dirty money, that's how I experienced it and that was the feeling I had when people talked to me about financial reparation.
What I expected most, at the beginning, was that someone other than those close to me could hear me and say 'I believe you'

,” recalls Damien.

Being believed is essential for victims.

The report

specifies that 25% of them ask to receive a letter from the Church recognizing their damage.

Sexual abuse in the Church in France: a report advocates “restorative reparation”

Sexual abuse in the Church in France: a report advocates “restorative reparation”

Be believed and listened to

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest