Ritual confessions have been performed throughout history to obtain forgiveness for sins committed against God and fellow humans. Religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism all prescribe some form of confession for members who violate their faith's rules.
What happens when these rituals are used to protect perpetrators of violent crimes? In cases where a priest grants absolution without bringing justice or healing to victims, there can be long-term emotional trauma that negatively affects survivors' wellbeing. This article will explore how religious rituals of confession can impact victim recovery from abuse and examine why legal accountability is crucial for restitution and reconciliation.
Ritual Confession and Absolution
In many religions, confession is an essential part of seeking forgiveness from sin. The Catholic Church teaches that priests act as mediators between God and man, granting forgiveness for penance after hearing confessions of wrongdoing. While this has been seen as beneficial in helping individuals find peace and spiritual renewal, it also serves as a way to avoid criminal charges for perpetrators of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violent crimes. Victims may face immense trauma due to the lack of accountability given to their attackers, leading to feelings of helplessness, anger, shame, guilt, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and self-blame.
Trauma and Mental Health Consequences
When victims are not provided with justice or restitution for their pain, they experience lasting effects on their mental health. Survivors often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. They may feel guilty about being attacked and struggle with trust issues. Victim-survivors may have difficulty forming relationships and coping with daily life without proper support. Religious institutions should provide resources such as therapy, counseling, and legal assistance to those who have experienced violence, but these services can be difficult to access due to stigma around mental illness.
Legal Accountability Crucial for Recovery
While religious rituals of confession may offer temporary comfort and closure for victim-survivors, real healing requires legal accountability for abusers. Without punishment, there is no justice served, leaving survivors feeling powerless and unprotected. Holding offenders accountable through law enforcement allows them to receive rehabilitation, treatment, and community service while preventing future harm. It also sends a message that society does not tolerate violence against its members. In cases where spiritual absolution is granted without criminal charges, survivors must find other ways to cope with the trauma of abuse. This could include seeking professional help, joining support groups, writing in journals, talking with friends and family, attending grief counseling, or practicing self-care techniques like yoga, meditation, or art therapy.