Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church: A Decade of Crisis, 2002—2012 (Abnormal Psychology)

Taking on a still-controversial topic, a diverse group of experts, including victims and clergy, offers reflections on the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church, examining what the church has done―and what it still needs to do―to protect children.

Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church: A Decade of Crisis, 2002–2012 is a thoughtful, multidisciplinary commentary. Beginning when the scandal first broke in Boston in 2002, this first-of-its-kind work offers a wide range of opinion, both positive and negative, on what has been done in the ensuing ten years to stop and prevent such abuse.

Through the contributions here, readers can delve into the world of the church hierarchy and into the minds of abusive priests and their victims. The book presents the views of leading academics and psychologists, but also allows the church to speak. First-person insights from victims are shared, as in a chapter written by a woman abused by a clergy member as an adolescent. She explains what happened, the resulting trauma, how she healed, and what she thinks needs to be done to prevent future abuse―a subject that still makes headlines and stirs debate.

Thomas G. Plante, PhD, ABPP, is professor of psychology and directs the Spirituality and Health Institute at Santa Clara University.

Kathleen L. McChesney, PhD, was appointed executive director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2002.