What is the purpose of the study of the ‘causes and context’ of the crisis of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy?
This study will attempt to identify the causes of incidents of abuse by Catholic clergy and the circumstances surrounding the abuse from which preventative measures can be taken to prevent future offenses from occurring. The study was commissioned in 2005. The results are anticipated to be available in December, 2010. Since so few studies exist which delve into the areas of sexual abuse of children, it is the intention of the National Review Board, through these studies, to foster a dialogue in academic, legal, and law enforcement circles, among others, to prevent further abuse to the extent possible.
