Spanish bishops allow government oversight of compensation for sexual abuse victims

Spain's bishops agreed to let the state's ombudsman have final authority over compensation for clergy sexual abuse victims whose cases are time-barred or whose alleged abusers are deceased, and a one-year window to file claims has been set.

Spain's Catholic bishops agreed to let the national ombudsman have the final say in compensation for victims of sexual abuse by clergy when alleged abusers are dead or the cases are too old to be prosecuted. The move followed criticism of a church-only compensation plan and is framed as a way to give victims an alternative route outside church offices. Under the agreement, victims will submit initial petitions to the Justice Ministry, which will forward them to the ombudsman for review. Key points: - The bishops agreed that the ombudsman will evaluate claims and have the deciding role in cases involving deceased alleged abusers or time-barred offenses. - Victims may file through the Justice Ministry; the ministry sends claims to the ombudsman, who proposes compensation; unresolved matters go to a joint committee of the church, the ombudsman's office and victims' groups, and if that committee cannot agree the ombudsman's decision will stand. - The filing window will be open for one year, with the option to extend for an additional year. - Spain's Justice Minister said the change could allow "hundreds" of victims to receive recognition and reparations, and payments under the agreement are to be tax-free. Summary: Officials presented the agreement as a way to allow victims who did not want to approach church bodies to seek review and possible reparations through the state ombudsman, with authorities saying many previously time-barred cases could now be addressed. The arrangement is in effect and a one-year window for filing claims is the next procedural step. Undetermined at this time whether the filing period will be extended beyond the possible additional year.