Appendix 2

Líneas Guía de América · Canadá

Appendix 2

Checklist For an Analysis of the Gravity of an Offence

After the preliminary investigation, where guilt has been established, the bishop or major superior considers the following points in writing an opinion (votum) for the Holy See:

the scandal

the nature of the sexual abuse committed against the minor;

the moral, physical, and psychological distress of the victim;

a guilty verdict in secular court (if applicable);

clarity of the evidence;

whether there has been an admission of guilt;

whether the offending member recognizes the harm caused;

whether the offending member has expressed contrition;

relevant psychological factors, such as psychosexual dynamics/dysfunction of the offender;

the negative impact of the offending member’s actions on the reputation and credibility of the other members of his/her institute and the wider Church;

the impact of the offending member’s actions on the institute and its mission;