Abuse scandal’s total cost: $2.49 billion since 2004

The clerical abuse scandal cost American dioceses $108,679,706 in 2011, according to an report released on April 10 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Only 57% of those funds were allotted to settlements ($50.4 million) and therapy for abuse victims ($6.1 million); the rest was spent on attorneys’ fees ($36.7 million), support for offenders ($9.9 million), and other costs ($5.6 million), according to the 2011 “Report on the Implementation of the Charter for Protection of Children and Young People.”

These expenses brought the total cost of the clerical abuse scandal to American dioceses and religious institutes between 2004 and 2011 to $2,488,405,755: $2,129,982,621 for dioceses and eparchies, and $358,428,134 for religious institutes.”

Overall, 82% of those of alleged abuse were male, though 11 of the current minors who alleged abuse were female. 68% of allegations “occurred or began between 1960 and 1984.”

“half of the victims (50 percent) were between the ages of ten and fourteen when the alleged abuse began. An equal proportion of the victims (16 percent each) were between the ages of fifteen and seventeen or under age ten. The age could not be determined for almost one-fifth of victims (19 percent).”

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