SEXUAL ABUSE: DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR FORMATION

Authors

  • Konrad J. Noronha

Keywords:

Clergy, Clergy Sexual Abuse, Integrity, Seminary Formation, Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Attention needs to be paid to the overall growth of seminarians and clergy and religious. The focus has to be on the four dimensions of human formation, and any deficiency needs to be addressed early in formation of the seminarian and through ongoing formation of the clergy and religious. This might help in averting untoward mishaps with regard to misconduct or inappropriate behaviour. Integrity or uprightness is what is called for in Catholic clergy and religious. Because of lack of this virtue some fell prey to misconduct that includes sexual abuse. This article looks at sexual abuse in general and sexual abuse in particular through various theories that include the biological, physiological, neuromoral, psychological, and moral theories of development. Some developmental programs and interventions are also discussed. The Holy Father has called all clergy and religious to open their hearts to the immensity and the importance of the task of safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults.

Author Biography

Konrad J. Noronha

Konrad J. Noronha, SJ, PhD (USA), MS (USA), MTh (Delhi), BHMS (Pune), is the Director and Coordinator of the Pastoral Management Program at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, India. He has a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from Loyola University Maryland; a Masters in Systematic Theology from Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi; and a Doctorate in Counsellor Education and Supervision from Loyola University, Maryland. He is a visiting scholar to the Institute of Psychology, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. His work focuses on adult clients, especially seminarians, clergy, vowed religious and older adults. He has done extensive clinical work the United States of America and his home country India, and has published articles in edited books and journals. Recent book: Spirituality in Practice: Thematic Frameworks for Counseling, Cognella Academic Publishers, USA.

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Published

2020-06-30

How to Cite

Noronha, K. J. (2020). SEXUAL ABUSE: DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR FORMATION. Asian Horizons, 14(2), 407–420. Retrieved from https://dvkjournals.in/index.php/ah/article/view/2909