THE Catholic Church has extended the definition of abuse in revised guidelines for responding to complaints of sexual abuse.
The charter, called Towards Healing, originally published in 1996, was updated following further consultation with complainants, the accused, Churches and various other people.
“It is using the experience of the last five years to tidy up a number of issues, clarify thoughts and generally produce a better document,” said National Committee for Professional Standards chairperson, Bishop Geoffrey Robinson of Sydney.
On the first page, the definition of sexual abuse is followed by a newly added description of physical and emotional abuse.
“Where a priest, religious or another person appointed to a position of pastoral care by an agency of the Church has acted towards a child or young person in a way which causes physical pain or mental anguish without any legitimate disciplinary purpose as judged by the standards of time when the incidents occurred, then this constitutes abuse.
“Victims of abuse can experience fear, shame, confusion and the violation of their person.
“We express regret and sorrow for the hurt caused whenever the response denies or minimises the pain that victims have experienced.”
Bishop Robinson said the Church felt compelled to include the new details of abuse despite concerns about it being “too vague”.
