Scandal in the diocese of Osnabrück: 122 clerics and 400 victims of abuse!

Scandal in the diocese of Osnabrück: 122 clerics and 400 victims of abuse!

In a new study on sexual violence in the diocese of Osnabrück, 122 suspicious clerics were identified, who are held responsible for attacks on at least 349 in the years from 1945. The University of Osnabrück also reported from information to up to 60 other cases, which raises the total number of those affected to over 400. The researchers conclude that there is a high dark field of undiscovered abuse, whereby the allegations include a wide range of attacks. The proportion of accused clerics is around 4 percent and reflects similar results in other dioceses.

The final report of the study, in which three external abuse were also involved, has shown deficits in dealing with the victims. According to the scientists, the diocese lines have not responded to abuse instructions for decades, which also led to the resignation of Bishop Franz-Josef Bode in March 2023. The new bishop, Dominicus Meier, will publicly comment on the results on October 9 after the diocese managers can see the report on October 2. For more information on the results, there is a report on the page www.kath.ch available.