Report: Clergy abuse in Iowa was ‘overwhelming’ but now rare

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Roman Catholic priests sexually abused minors across Iowa for decades while church leaders covered it up, but reforms implemented in recent years have largely stopped the problem, a three-year review by Iowa’s attorney general concluded. A report issued by Attorney General Tom Miller said the number of complaints, victims and the duration of the abuse was “overwhelming” and the “cover-up was extensive,” similar to what has been found elsewhere in the U.S. Dozens of victims came forward to Miller’s office, describing lifelong consequences. “The pain was real and lasting, whether the abuse happened 60 years ago or more recently. In some cases, survivors explained why they kept the abuse secret; in others, they described how their allegations were ignored or covered up for decades,” the report said.

Report: Clergy abuse in Iowa was ‘overwhelming’ but now rare