Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 82 No. 2, 2012.
Original scientific paper
Sexual Abuse of Minors. Possible Profile of the Personality of Cleric Inclined to Paedophilia
Ivan Štengl
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Sexual abuse of minors is a serious problem in society which has been given a great deal of attention and aroused general condemnation which leaves room for possible media manipulation. Due to the complexity of the situation a multi-disciplinary approach is required to determine the facts, to help the victims and abusers and to establish a platform for preventative action: To help those who may possibly develop this sort of disorder or to prevent them from having access to minors through (concrete) church service. This article is primarily targeted to those responsible for the education of candidates to Church service and could serve as the basis for Canon dealing with this disorder.
For the purpose of clarifying this disorder, the article first gives a brief overview of available data and estimates of the presence of the disorder amongst the Catholic clergy. It then gives an interpretation of the data in order to establish an objective insight into the factual state compared to interpretations given under current impressions, social pressure, unobjective reports or with an attitude of defence and diminishment of the situation. The second chapter highlights the phenomenology of the disorder while the third chapter defines the etiological question which foresees the interaction of various factors in their formation: biological (neurological, endocrinal), psychological and sociological. The fourth chapter presents possible psychological dynamical development of sexual preference toward minors amongst those who themselves were victims of similar abuse. Based on that said, the fifth chapter of the article deals with some significant determinants in personality that could contribute to the development of this deviational sexual behaviour. The conclusion presents the current situation in handling this disturbance, some dilemmas and difficulties that arise and offers the possibility of further discussion.
Keywords
priest; sexual abuse; paedophilia; phenomenology and etiology of disorder; personality profile; perpetrator as the victim
Hrčak ID:
84378
URI
Publication date:
12.7.2012.
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