Dignity and Equality
Violence against Women in the Church
The topic of violence against women and girls is universal. The Catholic Church, with its patriarchal and hierarchical structure, is no exception.​
Despite repeated appeals and numerous reports from affected women during the Synod, there was no mention in the final synod report of the widespread violence against women.
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This deliberate failure of the Synod has its origins in a culture of sexism, machismo and widespread narcissism of priests, bishops and male parishioners. The prioritisation of their own interests and power is paramount.
The CWC therefore believes that it is important to draw attention to the violence against women in the church and to show how this violence is perpetuated in society through gender stereotypes and a binary anthropology.
In particular, Catholic clergy play an outsized role in politics and policy-making, too often resulting in neglecting or blocking legal protections for women, including the right to sexual self-determination, reproductive freedom, and autonomy. Men's dominance and control over women and women's bodies is reinforced.
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This is why the CWC and numerous member organisations are once again taking part in the global UN campaign 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
CWC Network Events: 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
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Support Centre (Germany)
Support Centre for everybody who has experienced violence within the Church as adult.
Do you wish to be accompanied by someone who understands you?
Have you experienced or are still experiencing sexualized assaults at the hand of Church staff?
Have you experienced or been affected by spiritual, emotional or mental abuse or by abuse of power?
Online Policy Learning (India)
LPPYF Law and Public Policy Youth Fellowship- Cohort 4.0 Winter’24 – Theme: Inclusivity in Peace and Conflict Resolution: Rethinking Policy, Advocacy and Implementation.
An 3-month Immersive Online Law and Public Policy Awareness Certificate Training Course and Internship Program.
Nov 2024 – Jan 2025 IMPRI #WebPolicyLearning
#NousTouts (France)
French Catholics join women's groups in France and across the sea under the slogan #NousTouts to say NO to femicide and sexual violence.
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The map of demonstrations listing the more than 50 events (co-)organised by #NousToutes committees is online. And to help you get people to come along, we've put together some visuals for you to display and distribute around you, as well as a playlist and placards for the big day!
Materials for Awareness
Abuse of adult women in the Catholic Church Online Tutorial (German language). Carefully researched lessons provide you with knowledge about the background, extent, causes, consequences and manifestations of abuse. You will find out what options for action are available, how those affected can be supported and you will gain an insight into current developments.
Videos/ Webinars/ Interviews
Patrizia Morgante
'Violenza sulle donne nella Chiesa e nella società', by Patrizia Morgante
