Research on sexual abuse experiences within the community of Jehovah's Witnesses
Investigation into dealing with (alleged) sexual abuse within the community of Jehovah's Witnesses makes clear that (alleged) victims feel insufficiently recognized and supported. This has to do with the way in which reports of abuse are dealt with.
Minister Dekker of the Ministry of Justice and Security has asked the WODC to investigate this (or have it investigated). Commissioned by the WODC, the University of Utrecht has conducted independent research into patterns, rules, customs and structures of the community of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Netherlands and the influence that these may have on dealing with (alleged) sexual abuse and willingness to report (alleged) sexual abuse.
The research is not about finding the truth, but focuses on the experiences of respondents how sexual abuse and reports about it are dealt with within the community of Jehovah's Witnesses in the Netherlands. Where the report refers to victims, perpetrators and abuse, it concerns alleged victims, alleged perpetrators and alleged abuse.
Read the summary of the report: Sexual abuse and willingness to report within the Jehova's Witness comunity.