And the effect of absolution is?

Restoration of the soul to a state of grace. That alone should encourage the penitent to do the right thing and face civil justice.

My original point was that simply going to one's priest, say at his office or rectory, and confessing a crime does not in itself obligate the priest to silence.

In such a situation the priest should say, "You've got to go to the police and admit what you've done. I'll get my coat and go with you."

Obviously, that was not done in the instances we have been discussing here, and that is shameful, for the individuals involved and for the Church as an institution.