In many claims involving clergy abuse, victims may keep the events secret for months, years or even decades. In some cases, one person coming forward inspires other victims to speak up, as they feel encouraged by hearing similar stories from someone else.
But why does this happen? From the outside, people often wonder why victims would stay silent for so long. Some may even lament that earlier disclosure could have prevented abuse of others. The reality, however, is that a variety of factors contribute to these delays in reporting.
Many victims are children
Often, the victims in these cases are children, which can lead to confusion about what is happening and even what constitutes sexual abuse. While an adult may recognize abuse immediately, a child may not reach the same conclusion as quickly—or at all.
Children often trust the adults in their lives, including clergy members. If an abuser claims that the actions are not abuse or are somehow normal, the child may take their word for it. This manipulation can prevent the child from recognizing the situation for what it is.
Memory can also play a role. When abuse occurs at a young age, children may not understand the significance of what happened, and as time passes, their memories may become less distinct. Some victims even question their own recollections, wondering if they are accurately remembering the events.
Finally, feelings of shame or guilt often keep victims silent. An abuser may manipulate the victim into believing they caused the abuse or invited the inappropriate behavior. Alternatively, the victim may feel so uncomfortable about the situation that they don’t want to talk about it with anyone, even trusted parents or authorities. It can take years to work up the courage to confront what happened and speak out.
Exploring legal options
Even when there is a significant delay in reporting clergy sexual abuse, victims still have rights. It is critical for those who have faced abuse to understand the legal steps available to them and how to seek justice.