The Deetman Commission is to conduct a follow-up investigation into sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic Church.

The new investigation will examine the fate of girls and women, according to Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten.

The report published late last year by the Deetman Commission was not specifically restricted to boys, but the Dutch parliament took the view that the position of girls and women was not covered thoroughly enough. Wim Deetman recognizes that it would be a good idea to examine the abuse of this group separately.

According to the justice minister, church directors have approved the additional research. Mr Deetman expects it will be ready this autumn.

Former government minister Deetman concluded late last year that an estimated 20,000 children have been abused in Catholic institutions. Directors of the church covered up the abuse and gave hardly any help to the victims.

(as/imm)

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