Clerical abuse survivor speaks at UN’s World Day for the prevention and healing of child abuse
During a recent United Nations event aimed at raising awareness about World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence, Mark Joseph Williams, a survivor of clerical sexual abuse, shared his story. The United Nations has designated Nov. 18 as the official day for promoting awareness and healing related to child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence.
Williams is a special advisor to Cardinal Joseph Tobin, C.Ss.R, Archbishop of Newark, and cofounder of Global Collaborative, a survivor-led network of child advocacy organizations, survivor networks, academic and faith-based institutions, and governments committed to ending child sexual abuse, and supporting victims and survivors of childhood trauma in their healing.
During the event, the Global Collaborative presented a special memorial to the United Nations, to display each Nov. 18 highlighting the importance of the day of observance. The special event included testimonials by survivors on the importance of the UN World Day and the lasting impact it will have on their lives.
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According to statistics from 2022 compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys in the United States experience child sexual abuse.
Williams is well-known for his commitment to the Catholic faith and his compassion for clerical abuse victims as well as perpetrators. In his testimonial, Williams said that the Church that once hurt him is also the Church that has healed him.
He noted that this autumn is a historic time in the Catholic Church when Pope Francis has called a Synod – a time of listening and discerning.
“[It is] a time to walk together, in communion, participation and mission. By doing so, I believe victims/survivors and their loved ones will re-discover the fruits of the Bread of Life,” Williams said. “The Eucharist heals and those abused in the Church who have carried a heavy cross must taste the body and blood of the One who came, suffered, died, and rose to save all.”
The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is taking place now through the month of October in Rome. Cardinal Tobin has joined 364 delegates and 85 experts, facilitators, and ecumenical delegates to discuss: “For a synodal church: Communion, participation, mission.”
“This UN World Day, which we now celebrate across the globe on Nov. 18 each year reminds us that all are worthy in the eyes of God. That we must do whatever we can for prevention and healing — especially for our little ones — the children in our midst who deserve the inherent dignity to live free of any kind of sexual violation,” Williams said.
He and his wife, Karen, are parishioners at Church of the Little Flower in Berkeley Heights.
Amidst a number of clerical abuse scandals that surfaced in 2002, the U.S. bishops created the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People”. Known as the “Dallas Charter” as the bishops met in Dallas when it was endorsed, this document outlines a comprehensive set of procedures for dealing with allegations of sexual abuse of minors by Catholic clergy. Additionally, the charter provides guidelines for reconciliation, healing, accountability, and prevention of abuse.
The Archdiocese of Newark is committed to helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse heal. Gina Criscuolo, the Coordinator of the Office of Accompaniment, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, provides compassionate and supportive assistance to those who have been the victims/survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Please visit www.rcan.org and click Safe Environment, or call 201-407-3256.
