How do Ultra-orthodox Jewish leadership bodies respond to manifestations of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse ? A critical reflection on the findings of two public inquiries in Australia and England

Leadership responses by ultra-orthodox, Jewish communities to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) have been a subject of international concern. However, minimal empirical research has been undertaken on this subject. This paper analyses the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Australia) and the Independent Inquiry Child Sexual Abuse (UK) and associated writings. We find that cultural and religious conventions, patriarchal social norms and leadership and governance practices all contribute to the vulnerability of children and poor outcomes for CSA survivors within ultra-orthodox communities. Ultra-orthodox children may be more likely to experience Institutional Child Sexual Abuse (ICSA), be discouraged from disclosing such incidents to appropriate authorities, receive inadequate leadership support, and be especially vulnerable to post-abuse communal trauma. Reforms are required to address ultra-orthodox governance and leadership practices, cognisant of cultural norms, to improve child safety outcomes.