Often, it is media attention that draws us to the plight of certain crime victims that in turn leads to changes in social policies that benefit those victims. For example, clergy abuse is a relatively new term used to describe the physical or sexual abuse of children by clergy in certain situations. In the past, these cases often went unreported to law enforcement, even when superiors and supervisors knew of the abuse. In addition to costly civil suits brought by victims of this abuse, after much media coverage, some clergy have been charged and successfully prosecuted in criminal court.
Rules of evidence have changed to accommodate the type of evidence required to prosecute these cases. Even so, many states still do not require mandatory reporting of this type of child abuse by clergy because of the long-held notion that clergy should enjoy complete confidentiality even if a supervisor becomes aware that a priest is sexually abusing a child.
Answer the following questions:
- Explain the need for all states to require mandatory reporting of child abuse by clergy.
- How can the media be used to affect change in states that do not yet require mandatory reporting?
- Research the clergy abuse in a state of your choice.
If mandatory reporting exists, how long has this been a requirement? What organizations are involved in tracking and helping the victims with this type of abuse?
If mandatory reporting does not exist, what alternative processes exist for reporting clergy abuse?
Be sure to cite all references in APA format.
Suggestions for Responding to Peer Posts
- Does he or she agree with your point of view about the states involvement in this matter? If he or she agrees, what other arguments can you add to support your beliefs?
- Did he or she find a different way that media could be used to change the requirements?
- How are the procedures for reporting clergy abuse in a state different (or the same) in the states that each of you chose?