Spain establishes a new mechanism for victims of sexual abuse by clergy, allowing claims outside church institutions.
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Spain has established a new mechanism for victims of sexual abuse by clergy, allowing them to seek compensation without directly approaching church institutions. Victims can submit requests to the Ministry of Justice, which will then refer the case to the national ombudsman’s victim unit. This unit will prepare a decision and potential compensation offer, which is then presented to the Church’s advisory commission for review. If agreement cannot be reached, a mixed commission involving the Church, the ombudsman’s office, and victims’ associations will convene, with the ombudsman making the final decision if necessary. This follows previous efforts by the Church to implement a universal compensation plan for abuse survivors. The Spanish Ministry of Justice stated this arrangement represents a historical and moral step forward in addressing sexual abuse. In Lithuania, while there are no specific public investigations into clerical sexual violence, victims can seek help through the police, state-guaranteed legal aid, or state compensation mechanisms for violent crimes, alongside support from non-governmental organizations.
