Norms of the Czech Bishops' Conference for Proceedings Concerning Allegations of Sexual Offenses

Based on the Lettera del cardinale William Levada per la presentazione della circolare alle conferenze episcopali sulle linee Guida per i casi di abuso sessuale nei confronti di minori da parte di chierici of 3 May 2011, on behalf of ČBK, a Directive was prepared to discuss the cases of sexual abuse of minors by clergy, adapted to the specific situation in the Czech Bishops' Conference. The Directive aims to ensure the prevention of these cases, to provide clear and fair rules for a preliminary investigation on the suspicion of committing a crime, and providing assistance to the victims. The Directive is the first attempt of this kind in this country and will undoubtedly in the future evolve with the experience gained from its use.

Keywords: Directive; Sexual offenses of clergy; Dignity; Integrity; Moral development of minors; Child pornography; Minor; Preliminary investigation; Prevention; Victim assistance