In the U.S., there are two organizations who have proven their credibility in representing victims in the child molestation scandal:

• bishop-accountability.org, which primarily keeps information on offenders, and on bishops who cover things up
• SNAP - Survivors' Network of those Abused by Priests - SNAP has chapters in a number of nations

I don't know about any European organizations yet. Before you donate money, you may want to check them out and make sure they're legitimate.

Oh....and click here to access the page on the Frontline television program called The Hand of God, priest sexual abuse from the victim's point of view.

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The question of how to show sympathy to victims of sexual abuse is a tough one. I have had several situations, mostly in my work as a government investigator, when somebody has revealed being a victim of a sexual offense. I found it hard to know what to say, until I figured out that all they wanted me to do was listen. So, I learned to listen, and to ask questions that enabled the person to say more. It was a funny feeling, being a government investigator doing exactly was I was supposed to be doing for my employer, and yet being able to help victims of crimes by just listening sympathetically.

I know of Catholic dioceses that have had "reconciliation and healing" gatherings for victims of priest sexual abuse. These gatherings were well-received.

Another tough question was brought up above - praying for both the victims and the perpetrators of crime. Sister Helen Prejean (Dead Man Walking) struggled with that problem in her death row ministry in Louisiana. She didn't find any easy answers, but she continued to minister to inmates and then began to also minister to their victims.

-Joe-