Objectives: This course will bring students to learn about the dynamics of abuse and the abuser’s strategies to offend. Students will also be introduced to the concept of red flags and cognitive distortions, with a reflection that will help students to recognize them. The concept of restorative justice and canonical norms will also be introduced, as well as the notion of tertiary prevention (intervention plan for the abuser).

Learning Outcomes: At the end of the course, the students will be able to recognize the dynamics of offending. Students will identify the causes of abuse with regard to individual, cultural, and societal aspects, and be able to assess the measures of assistance for the perpetrators in their countries, even considering legal and canonical implications. They will become aware of how abusive behaviors affect them personally. They will learn how to put in practice tertiary prevention strategies (intervention plan for the abusers).

Content : Different types of perpetrators; red flags; internal and external processes that enable abuse, such as cognitive distortions; grooming techniques; overcoming hurdles and inhibitors; dynamics of online offenders; feelings and attitudes with regard to clerical offenders; challenges posed by talking to perpetrators; therapy and care for offenders; therapeutic options; pastoral care; aftercare; legal and canonical implications; norms of canon law; laws in the different countries; theological implications; confession; mercy; forgiveness, and four types of justice.

Methodology: The course will combine lectures, readings, and seminar discussion and will focus on a range of selected texts.

Means of evaluation : Evaluation will be based on class participation and written papers.