Clerical child sexual abuse in Malta : a local response

Abstract

Clerical sexual abuse of children is a tragic phenomenon not just for the victims but also for the whole institution of the Catholic Church and the community as a whole. This study is set to explore the themes and issues surrounding the violation of minors by the clergy with special attention to the response it is given by the organisations involved. It seeks also to contextualise the prevalence of such abuse through qualitative research carried out by in depth interviews with members of the Maltese Church and the police force, directly involved in dealing with such issues. It also employs a comprehensive content analysis of published material including media sources addressing the subject. The findings suggest how the proper understanding of the concept of moral crises vs moral panic is a major factor in shaping how the response of the Church is socially constructed. It further explores the difference between paedophilia and ephebophilia, whilst the findings suggest that unlike common misconception that most clergy who abuse minors are paedophiles, they are predominantly ephebophiles. This study also highlights attachment theories and distorted psychological and psychosexual developments, especially during the priests' formation in the past, and stress factors such as celibacy, could have contributed to such abuse. An overview of the structures and mechanisms in place by the Catholic Church and how it responds to allegations of child sexual abuse by its clergy is also highlighted.