Sexual Abuse in the Catholic Church: A Decade of Crisis, 2002â "2012

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.

Author: Thomas Plante
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 10/20/2011
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.20w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780313393877

Review Citation(s):
Choice 05/01/2012
Reference and Research Bk News 12/01/2011 pg. 19

About the Author

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.