Abuse in the church context

The victim support centers are the contact and contact points for victims of sexual, physical or psychological violence in the context of the church environment. This guarantees independent and competent advice and help for those affected.

This has been agreed by the Conference of Directors of Social Affairs (SODK), the Roman Catholic Central Conference of Switzerland (RKZ), the Swiss Bishops’ Conference (SBK) and the Conference of Associations of Catholic Religious Orders and Other Consecrated Life Communities in Switzerland (KOVOS).

From January 2025, the Catholic Church will consistently refer victims of sexual, physical or psychological violence to the counseling centers recognized by the cantons for victim support.

Link: Media release

The victim counseling centers provide all services in accordance with the Victim Assistance Act as required.

The following tasks can also be performed depending on the context:

• Clarification with the church information office regarding options for further action
• Advice on the possibility of reporting to the church authorities, the responsibility for receiving the report and providing information on the relevant processes that are set in motion as a result
• Providing information on church criminal proceedings with the support of the church information center
• Outreach counseling for those affected who are unable to visit a counseling center themselves for physical or psychological reasons
• Representation of victims’ interests vis-à-vis church officials*
• Submission of applications (e.g. Sexual Assault Compensation Fund, inspection of church documents, dossiers, etc.)*.
• Accompanying those affected to inspect church documents, dossiers, etc*
• Support for victims in criminal proceedings under canon law*
• Accompanying those affected to meetings with church officials and accused persons*

The processes marked with * require a notification to the church.

At the request of those affected, case-related consultations can also take place between the victim counseling centers and the interest groups for people affected by abuse in the church (IG).

Link: https://missbrauch-kirche.ch