A government-backed independent commission in The Netherlands has found that thousands of children suffered sexual abuse in Dutch Catholic institutions and church officials failed to adequately address the abuse or help the victims.
Based on a survey of more than 34,000 people, the commission estimated that one in five children who attended a Catholic institution suffered some form of abuse.
The commission was set up last year under the leadership of former government minister Wim Deetman to investigate allegations of abuse dating back from 1945.
The Catholic Church has been marred by sexual abuse scandals around the world in recent years.
compiled from agency reports
Based on a survey of more than 34,000 people, the commission estimated that one in five children who attended a Catholic institution suffered some form of abuse.
The commission was set up last year under the leadership of former government minister Wim Deetman to investigate allegations of abuse dating back from 1945.
The Catholic Church has been marred by sexual abuse scandals around the world in recent years.
compiled from agency reports
