The Victims Unit promoted by the Ombudsman within the framework of the new system for attending to alleged victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church is already analyzing 317 cases since its establishment on April 15.
The meeting of the members of this Unit took place at the Ombudsman’s headquarters, barely two months after the signing of the protocol agreed between the Government, the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), CONFER and Gabilondo. That agreement, signed on March 30, launched the new mechanism for recognition and reparation for victims of abuse committed in the ecclesial sphere.
The Ombudsman will evaluate each case
The protocol establishes that the Victims Unit will be responsible for carrying out the individualized evaluation of each application and for preparing the proposal for recognition of victim status and possible reparation. Subsequently, the so-called PRIVA Advisory Commission —dependent on the CEE and CONFER— must issue a reasoned report on each assessment presented by the Unit.
In cases where there is no agreement between the parties involved, a Joint Commission will intervene, with representatives from the signatory institutions and victims’ associations, with the aim of reaching agreements by consensus.
Economic, symbolic and restorative reparations
The document also contemplates different forms of reparation. These may be symbolic or restorative —through institutional recognition, accompaniment or apologies—, but also economic, especially to cover damages resulting from physical or psychological after-effects.
The Ombudsman, Ángel Gabilondo, has publicly defended this model, stating that the objective of the process is to “recover the person and repair damages,” insisting that it is not “a mere objectifying bureaucratic procedure,” but rather a “flexible, personalized, professional and humane” procedure.
Although a few weeks ago he stated that the agreement signed with the Church is not legally binding, but rather a “general protocol of action without legal effects”.
A unit made up of jurists, psychologists and experts in victimology
The Victims Unit is made up of professionals from different disciplines, including experts in victimology, criminology, psychology and law. Among the names made public is Olga Belmonte García, previously linked to the REPARA Project of the Archdiocese of Madrid, as well as several law professors and specialists in sexual violence and victimology.
Also part of the Unit are internal staff from the Ombudsman’s Office itself, prosecutors and academics specialized in criminology and criminal law.