The Police of the Argentine province of Córdoba arrested a priest accused of “outrageous sexual abuse” against a 46-year-old woman in the personal office of the parish priest belonging to the congregation of German origin Schoenstatt, according to judicial sources.
“The Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Sexual Integrity of Córdoba, headed by Juan Avila Echenique, arrested a 58-year-old priest, parish priest of the Schoenstatt congregation, accused of outrageous sexual abuse qualified by ministry of worship,” the Córdoba Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to judicial sources, the arrest was made this Saturday, after the victim reported the abuse, which took place in the accused’s offices after a religious celebration.
The arrest took place at the headquarters of the congregation located in the capital of Córdoba and so far, the Schoenstatt headquarters has not issued a ruling on the matter.
The priest could face sentences of between 8 and 20 years in prison, depending on whether “the abuse constituted a seriously outrageous sexual submission for the victim; and when there is carnal access.”
Also “if the act was committed by an ascendant, descendant, relative in a direct line, brother, guardian, curator, minister of some recognized or unrecognized cult, in charge of education or guardianship,” as established in article 119 of the Penal Code.
According to numbers from the civil association Madres de la Matria Latinoamericana (Mumalá), during January to October of this year, 195 femicides have been recorded in Argentina.
Buenos Aires / EFE
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**Interview with Maria Gonzalez, Victim’s Advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. We’ve just learned about a recent arrest made after a victim reported abuse. Could you provide us with some background on the situation?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Yes, this particular incident occurred last Saturday when a victim bravely came forward to report the abuse they experienced. It’s important to highlight the courage it takes for individuals to speak out, and this report led to a swift arrest.
**Editor:** What are some common challenges that victims face when deciding to report such incidents?
**Maria Gonzalez:** One of the biggest challenges is fear—fear of not being believed, or fear of retaliation from the abuser. Additionally, there’s often a sense of shame or stigma that can silence victims. Support systems are vital in these situations to reassure victims that their voices matter.
**Editor:** How can the community support victims who come forward?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Communities play a crucial role by creating an environment where victims feel safe and supported. This can be through awareness campaigns, local support groups, or simply being open to listening without judgment. Encouraging dialogue about abuse can help remove the stigma and empower more victims to seek help.
**Editor:** Absolutely. As we await more details on the case, what do you hope will happen as a result of this arrest?
**Maria Gonzalez:** I hope this case serves as a reminder that reporting abuse can lead to justice and that there are resources available for victims. It’s essential for law enforcement and community organizations to work together to ensure a thorough investigation and to provide ongoing support for the victim.
**Editor:** Thank you, Maria, for your valuable insights. It’s essential that we continue this conversation to raise awareness and support survivors.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for highlighting this important issue.
