www.peterellis.co.nz
: seeking justice for Peter Ellis : mail to: [email protected]
Accusations of Abuse in
Institutions
Index: Home Page Peter Ellis
Index: Accusations in Institutions
The Press
October 23, 2002
Help for Chch priest
by Yvonne Martin
Christchurch's
STOP programme for sex offenders wants to treat Father Jim Consedine,
the Catholic priest who has admitted sexual misconduct towards women.
The Lyttelton parish priest has stood down from
duties and is being sent to a specialist Australian programme following
complaints from four women of inappropriate sexual behaviour dating back to the
early 1970s.
Bishop of Christchurch John Cunneen is sending Father
Consedine to Encompass Australasia, a
Information supplied to The Press
shows that its treatment includes
massage therapy (to assist clients develop awareness of their bodies) as well
as art therapy, psychodrama, and Bibliotherapy
(analysing prescribed readings).
STOP, the programme for adult and adolescent male sex offenders, believes it is
more appropriate for Father Consedine to be treated
in
"They are surrounded by men here who have done similar things," said
STOP clinical director Sandra Simpson.
"From the victims' point of view it takes away the sense of secrecy and
power, and puts the offender in the same position as everyone else. It has a
normalising effect."
Treating Father Consedine in the community would also
allow him regular access to his family and support networks.
One complainant initially agreed that he should attend Encompass.
However, after researching
"We do not believe Jim should be treated differently to any other
offender," she said. "He would have more accountability within his
own community and we as victims would have more access
to information about whether or not he is making progress, which is important
to us."
Bishop John Dew, secretary of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops' Conference,
said Encompass was not a soft option for clergy.
"I can assure you that it is very, very thorough and very tough," he
said.