Anyone who experiences border crossings and attacks in the church environment should not be silent out of shame, fear and fainting, but must contact the Ombudsman for victims of violence and sexual abuse in the diocese of Eisenstadt. The affected there are therapeutic and financial help there.
Violence is omnipresent and an in -depth and widespread problem. It can meet us on different faces, for example in the form of mentally emotional, physical, sexual or structural violence. In the private, domestic area and in public space such as school and work. And even in places and in contexts where you would not expect them- for example in connection with beliefs and religious communities.
When the Catholic Church in Austria was confronted with the first public accusations of sexual abuse in the nineties, Archdiocese of Vienna was the first diocese in the country that an ombudsman set up for the affected ones. Further dioceses followed. A new phase of intensive investigation of the subject started in 2009 when further cases became public. This led to a noticeable shock within the church and society.
Of the courage to pronounce the truth
In the course of this, essential reforms were implemented and religious communities were included. And 15 years ago the first independent Ombudsman was founded in Eisenstadt without priestly management. She is led by the clinical psychologist Gabriele Kindshofer, who is independent of instructions. “I hope that the victims will be believed and that they will get the chance to complete their history as well as possible. Each of them deserves the chance to start a new beginning,” says the Native Zurndorfer.
In their beginning, the starting and registration agency focused on the affected ones, in particular on abuse towards children and adolescents. In the meantime, the area of responsibility also includes mentally and spiritual violence and attacks on adults who need protection. “Spiritual violence is often an underestimated phenomenon. It includes practicing religious pressure, the manipulation of fear of divine punishment or the prevention of free belief decisions for children and adolescents. This can be very forming and lead to enormous psychological stress,” explains Smattshofer that offers acute help.
Financial and therapeutic help
If there are indications of suspected cases, this is consistently pursued. In the diocese you will be sent directly to the ombudal center by the local staff center for prevention of abuse and violence. The intensive exchange between these two places makes it possible to clarify a lot in advance. The concerned concerns are carefully checked and assessed by the Independent Victim Protection Lawyer (UOA). Based on this, the Ombudsman can then provide financial or therapeutic support. “The affected suffering must and cannot be made, but this is a sign of recognition and solidarity with the affectors,” says Kindshofer.
In order to make common progress possible, the employees in the diocese who are subject to reports are informed of the subject of border violations, abuse and conscious coexistence in training and workshops.
The affected find an open ear: 0676/880701024 or victim protection@martinus.at
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
