The Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) announced the payment of 255,000 euros in compensation to 11 additional victims of sexual abuse, following an initial round of 57 payments. The organization stated the compensation process is now nearing conclusion and is shifting focus toward institutional prevention and victim support.
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The Dar Voz ao Silêncio association met with the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) on Thursday to demand structural changes to the Church's victim compensation and support process. The association proposed an independent external audit and urged the State to improve access to psychological support within the National Health Service (SNS) for survivors.
The association Coração Silenciado is requesting that Parliament audit the financial compensation process managed by the Catholic Church and revise the statute of limitations for sexual abuse crimes against minors. The association argues that victims were excluded from the decision-making process, testimonies were ignored, and the Church's criteria for compensation were inadequate.
The Dar Voz ao Silêncio association is requesting that the Portuguese Episcopal Conference (CEP) allow a state-led audit of the Church's victim compensation process. The group is also pushing for legislative changes including the elimination of statute of limitations for historical abuse, the nullification of indemnity clauses that prevent victims from pursuing legal action, and a guarantee of free, lifelong psychological support via the national health service (SNS).