Church Safeguarding Commission concludes 26 cases of abuse in 2023 - 18 involved minors

The Maltese Church’s Safeguarding Commission concluded 26 cases of abuse within the church last year, 18 of which involved minors.

This was announced during the publication of a report on the commission’s work in 2023. The commission investigates cases of abuse within church structures and promotes the wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults.

Of the 18 cases which involved minors and were concluded last year, four cases were substantiated, one was only partially substantiated, and another case was unsubstantiated. 

The commission’s head, Mark Pellicano explained that another case was not considered a safeguarding concern, while three other cases, “were investigated internally by the organisation concerned.”

Two of the cases were forwarded to the personal Bishop of the subject of the complaint. Six other cases did not require further action, as Pellicano said that this could be due to cases which had been closed in the past. Diocesan priests made up four of the subjects of complaints in situations involving minors, while religious and laypeople made up the other seven cases.

The commission also closed eight cases involving vulnerable adults, four of which took place 10 or more years ago.

Of the 18 incidents involving minors, nine took place 10 or more years ago. Four of the cases in which minors are involved were substantiated. 

Meanwhile, the commission also closed four substantiated cases involving vulnerable adults. Here the complaints involved breaches of sexual boundaries, sexual abuse and breaches of professional boundaries.

Pellicano explained that it is not a rare for adult victims to tell the commission that they would not like the entity to refer their case to the police. He explained that while the reasons may vary, many who choose to speak up about abuse - especially if this occurred when they were much younger - do so because they want to be heard by professionals within the entity. Daunting court procedures were also among the reasons why some chose not to speak to the police.

The commission appealed to anyone who might have been a victim of abuse at the hands of individuals involved in the church to approach the commission. This can be done by email on [email protected] or by calling 22470950. The commission's website offers more information for potential victims as well.