1. Suing the Pope and Scandalising the People: Irish Attitudes to Clergy Sexual Abuse.
- Author
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Breen, Michael, Devereux, Eoin, Goode, Helen, O'Boyle, Ciaran, and McGee, Hannah
- Subjects
CHILD sexual abuse by clergy ,REPORTING of child sexual abuse ,DOCUMENTARY films -- Social aspects ,MASS media influence ,SEXUAL misconduct by clergy - Abstract
This paper examines the attitudes of Irish people to the issue of clerical sexual abuse before and after a documentary on the topic. The screening of the documentary occurred mid-way during undertaken on the topic. This represented a natural experiment and the results show a dramatic difference in pre and post exposure. The core finding of this paper is that media coverage of child sexual abuse has a very significant part to play in terms of effects on public opinion and attitudes. The degree of effect has yet to be determined but the immediate effect of a change in public opinion, in this case at least, has already been sufficient in this case to bring about a statutory investigation by the authorities. ..PAT.-Conference Proceeding [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006