Munich (dpa / lby) - After the sensational report on sexual violence in the Catholic Archdiocese of Munich and Freising, the diocese wants to increase the range of help for those affected. A new staff position, which also offers pastoral support, is to be set up permanently. "Those affected and their relatives should receive information, advice, assistance and psychological and pastoral support and guidance directly, quickly and easily in one place," said Vicar General Christoph Klingan on Wednesday in Munich.
According to the information, the diocese has created new staff positions for the staff position. She is based directly at the Vicar General "to underline her importance and to ensure the necessary freedom of action," according to the Archdiocese's statement.
Two psychologists, a priest and an administrator are currently working in the staff unit. Another pastor is to join the team in the future. "First of all, we want to be easily approachable, to listen and to take care of the concerns of those affected," said the head of the staff office, Pastor Kilian Semel. The office is also intended to help with organizational matters such as applying for recognition benefits for victims of sexual abuse.
As the archdiocese announced at the end of July, about six months after the presentation of the report on sexual abuse in the archdiocese, 48 other alleged victims reported. So far, the report assumed at least 497 victims, but at the same time also a large number of unreported victims.
After the report was submitted, a contact and advice center was set up, which has been contacted by 223 people so far. Among them were 93 victims and six relatives, but also those whose cases had already been recorded in the report. With the new staff position "Counseling and pastoral care for those affected by abuse and violence in the archdiocese", this contact point is now to be "established as a permanent offer", as the diocese announced.
