On the day marking the formal deadline for presenting complaints, Rute Agulhas explained that 32 individuals have already been heard concerning requests for compensation, with this work expected to continue until July. The Catholic Church’s instruction committee will then be responsible for deciding on the appropriate response.
The Vita group has received a total of 128 pleas for support from victims of sexual violence within the Church context. Of these, 71 also involve possible financial compensation requests, and there are a few individuals still contemplating this option, Rute Agulhas stated in an interview.
“I imagine this number might increase in the coming days,” acknowledged Rute Agulhas, the psychologist leading the experts group invited by the Church to address the complaints.
Individuals who have not yet been interviewed are expected to be heard over the coming months, with a deadline set for mid-July. During August, the processes should be concluded, with reports and opinions compiled.
These conclusions will then be submitted to the Church’s second working group, which will make decisions regarding compensation amounts, she added.
While today is being presented as the final deadline for complaints, it is not ultimate, Agulhas admitted.
“We urge those hesitant to contact us on the 31st or in the following days,” she stated, emphasizing that setting a reference date primarily aimed to assess the volume of compensation requests, which will later be reviewed by the Catholic Church’s instruction committee.
“People need their time to decide to speak. They remain silent for years, and suddenly deciding to talk is not easy,” she noted.
In her view, “considerable strength and courage” is required to come forward, and “it’s crucial for people to believe that this process is indeed progressing well.”
Agulhas stressed that individuals interviewed will not need to repeat their stories for compensation purposes, as these accounts are documented.
“Every situation where the suspect is alive or there’s uncertainty over their status is reported to the Attorney General’s Office and the Judicial Police,” she explained.
The vast majority of cases have exceeded the statute of limitations from a criminal standpoint, but “it’s not within the Vita group’s remit to determine this, hence they are always reported,” Rute Agulhas highlighted.
Furthermore, cases are always reported to the Church to ensure canonical actions are initiated against suspects.
