German Jesuits

The Jesuit in Germany has made the decision to offer victims of abuse in schools compensation; this is the first German Catholic institution to make this pledge. The Provincitual superior Stefan Kiechle informed the Suddeutsche Zeitung that the level of compensation was yet to be decided, although the amount would be no less that 5,000 Euros which is equal to 4,200. The compensation for the church is intended to be a painful act. The decision to provide this compensation has been made after more than 200 former pupils have said they were abused by the priests in Jesuit schools from across all Germany. How the compensation claims made by victims will be handed is yet to be decided and is likely to be discussed at the Germany Bishops Conference.
The victims group which was established to help support the victims of such acts announced that they welcomed the compensation, although they stated that the compensation was in no way proportional to the abuse suffered. They states the compensation can not be guided by what seems bearable to the perpetrators, but they have to be orientated to what helps the victims.
Allegations of abuse in Germany first became apparent in January; these allegations were against the Jesuit run Canisus College located within Berlin. Many other allegations began to arise after the first allegations had been made and become general knowledge. The reason for compensation being granted is due to the Church admitting that it has failed to investigate the allegations properly, and even more concerning, is that is some cases there was a cover up with those involved being moved to a different school. Many of the allegations which have been made relate to abuse which happened several decades ago.