Abuse in the Latin American Church: An Evolving Crisis at the Core of Catholicism

Women religious (WR) constitute a vulnerable group within the Church, with a higher risk of experiencing various forms of abuse compared to other groups. Specifically, in comparison to consecrated and/or ordained men, the likelihood of suffering abuse is much greater for them. The abuse of priests over WR, the abuse between nuns, and the abuse of WR towards minors must be understood as framed within the structure of abuse of power that characterizes hierarchical and patriarchal institutions, such as the Catholic Church. What is new is that the victims have begun to denounce their abuses, breaking the silence and defying the culture of secrecy and cover-up that protected those who abused them. Why are they now breaking their silence? What do their narratives reveal? These are two questions that guide the analysis.