What Hollywood and Washington Can Learn from the Catholic Church About Responding to Sexual Abuse

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The political and cultural worlds in America are currently reeling after a flood of allegations of sexual harassment and abuse against powerful actors, producers, and politicians. But even with news coverage, hashtags, and firings, will the attitudes that allowed this behavior to fester for decades ultimately change for the better?

The Catholic Church is an example of an institution that initiated lasting and drastic changes against abusive environments and behavior. Contrary to popular belief, the Church has made enormous strides within the last decade in efforts to combat sexual abuse.

In this episode, Bishop Wall and special guest Elizabeth Terrill, who assists survivors of abuse in the Diocese of Gallup, discuss the ways in which the Catholic Church is fighting back against sexual abuse and harassment.

Discussion points:  

00:45 – What Elizabeth’s role is as a Victims’ Assistance Coordinator
 
4:30 – What is a diocesan review board?
 
5:40 – What is the protocol in the Diocese of Gallup when an allegation of abuse is made?
 
7:50 – Notifying authorities – tribal vs state vs city
 
9:45 – Abuse and harassment in Hollywood and politics
 
12:41 – The Catholic Church’s outlook on sex, contraception, and the dignity of the human person
 

Useful links:  

If you are aware of an instance of abuse of a minor, report it using these numbers:

Newsweek – “Priests Commit No More Abuse Than Any Other Males”
Study: “The Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests and Deacons in the United States”
Taylor Swift Wins Lawsuit Against Sexual Assaulter
The Harvey Weinstein story that opened the floodgates to reports of sexual harassment
Vice President Pence will not eat alone with a woman other than his wife
Humana Vitae

 
 

Send us your questions!

Do you have a question for Bishop Wall? Leave it in the comments below, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at [email protected].

You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes right here.

Thanks for listening!

Podcast Outro: Time to Run
Featured image: Mihai Surdu

 

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