Change in Leadership for Catholic Abuse Protection Office

The Catholic Church in Austria is set to undergo a significant leadership change within its Office for Victims of Abuse. After 15 years of service, Waltraud Klasnic will step down from her role as chair by the end of the year. This transition was announced following the summer plenary assembly of the Austrian Bishops' Conference held in Mariazell, as reported by Kathpress.

Caroline List, currently the President of the Graz District Court for Criminal Matters, has been appointed as Klasnic's successor. This decision comes on the unanimous recommendation of the Independent Victim Protection Commission and will take effect in 2026, with her appointment also receiving the endorsement of the Bishops' Conference in collaboration with the Austrian Conference of Religious.

Klasnic, who was originally appointed by Cardinal Christoph Schönborn in response to the surfacing of historic abuse allegations, has played a crucial role in the Church's efforts to address issues of violence and sexual abuse. Her leadership began after the Bishops' Conference implemented measures to assist and protect victims following revelations of abuse in ecclesiastical settings.

During her tenure, Klasnic has been instrumental in shaping policies aimed at aiding victims and improving preventive measures within the Church. The recent discussions among bishops and experts in Mariazell highlighted the progress made in handling cases of abuse, with a consensus that further commitment is necessary to support victims and enhance preventive strategies.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Victim Protection Commission has resolved a total of 3,492 cases, with favorable outcomes for victims in 3,214 instances. The commission has dealt with a total of 3,640 individuals who have suffered psychological, physical, or sexual abuse, with a significant majority being male. Compensation awarded to victims has amounted to approximately 37.7 million euros, encompassing financial support and therapy costs.

It is noteworthy that a substantial number of reported incidents are legally time-barred, with most cases occurring primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. A smaller percentage of cases date back to the 1980s and 1990s, with only a minor fraction reported since 2000. Psychological violence has been reported by 80% of victims, while 79% have experienced physical violence, and 27% have reported sexual violence.

As Klasnic prepares to hand over the reins, the Austrian bishops expressed their gratitude for her invaluable service to those affected by abuse and violence within the church. Looking ahead, List's leadership is anticipated to continue the vital work of the commission, ensuring that the Church remains vigilant and proactive in its response to abuse allegations and victim support.