Dioceses release figures on sexual abuse

Although not required to do so by the Dallas Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Catholic bishops across the country are releasing statistics about sexual abuse of minors by members of the clergy in their dioceses. The Associated Press reported on Feb. 20 that at least 112 of the 195 U.S.

dioceses had reported 4,757 accusations against 2,243 men. Many bishops included financial data about abuse-related costs and the percentage of clergy in their dioceses who have been accused of sexual abuse. Many offered apologies to victims, their families and the general Catholic population for the harm ...