Archbishop apologises to Dutch victims of sex abuse

THOUSANDS of children suffered sexual abuse in Dutch Catholic institutions, and Church officials knew about the abuse but failed to adequately address it or help the victims, according to long-awaited results from an investigation.

Archbishop of Utrecht Wim Eijk apologised to victims on behalf of the entire Dutch Catholic organisation and said the report “fills us with shame and sorrow”.

The report said Catholic officials failed to tackle the widespread abuse, which ranged from “unwanted sexual advances” to serious sex abuse, in an attempt to prevent scandals.