The quietude of convents and monasteries, long associated with spiritual contemplation, is being shattered by a growing chorus of allegations of abuse. While reports of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church have largely focused on male clergy and seminaries, a disturbing pattern of mistreatment – spiritual, psychological and physical – endured by nuns and novices is now coming to light, particularly in Switzerland and beyond.
The issue, historically shrouded in secrecy and silence, is prompting a re-evaluation of oversight and accountability within religious orders. A recent qualitative study in the German-speaking world, set to be published in full in Autumn 2025, highlights the prevalence of spiritual manipulation preceding sexual violence against adult women within these communities. This manipulation, described by one survivor as a “burning” that destroys one’s inner self, often exploits the intense faith and vulnerability of those entering religious life.
Amélie M., a former Carmelite nun who shared her story anonymously, recounts a deeply damaging experience in a Swiss convent during the 1980s. Entering the order at 19, fueled by a profound sense of calling, her initial enthusiasm quickly eroded under the strict and often punitive leadership of the Mother Superior and Novice Mistress. “I fell into a permanent state of guilt,” she stated, describing a climate where even minor infractions were interpreted as a lack of respect and devotion.
Her experience took a particularly harrowing turn when she confided in the Mother Superior about a past sexual assault. Instead of receiving support, Amélie M. Alleges she was sent to a gynecologist under the pretext of confirming her virginity – a deeply invasive and retraumatizing act. This, she explains, is an example of spiritual abuse, where faith is weaponized to control and manipulate individuals.
The challenges of bringing these abuses to light are significant. Betroffeneorganisationen – support organizations for victims – in Switzerland and neighboring countries report that survivors are often reluctant to come forward, hampered by loyalty to the Church, fear of ostracism, and financial precarity should they leave the order. The very nature of monastic life – often involving vows of obedience and isolation – contributes to a culture of silence.
The issue extends beyond sexual assault. The first study in the German-speaking world also revealed that female religious leaders themselves can be perpetrators, a “taboo within a taboo,” according to researchers. This challenges the narrative of nuns solely as victims and underscores the complex power dynamics within these communities.
The revelations are prompting a degree of self-reflection within Swiss religious orders. The Vonos, the umbrella organization for apostolic women’s communities in German-speaking Switzerland, recently decided to contribute financially to a national study on abuse, a move previously resisted. General Priorin Annemarie Müller of the Kloster Ilanz stated, “Much injustice has happened and great suffering has been caused. And as a religious community, we are part of the Roman Catholic Church. We wanted to contribute.”
However, progress remains uneven. While many communities are implementing preventative measures – including psychological assessments for prospective members, training for clergy, and the establishment of confidential reporting channels – a comprehensive, externally-monitored system of oversight is lacking. The fragmented nature of the monastic landscape, with many orders not directly under the authority of a diocese, complicates efforts to ensure consistent standards and accountability.
The case of the Abbey of Saint Maurice in Switzerland serves as a stark example of systemic failures. A recent report commissioned by the monastery revealed 21 perpetrators and 69 victims, with some abusers remaining within the community even after allegations surfaced. The report also highlighted repeated warnings from previous inspections that were ignored, demonstrating a pattern of negligence and cover-up.
The Vatican has responded to growing concerns by ordering investigations into high-ranking Catholic clerics in Switzerland, following allegations of covering up abuse cases and, in some instances, committing sexual assaults themselves. Bishop Joseph Bonnemain has been appointed to lead a preliminary investigation, building on a letter received by the Vatican in May 2023 detailing the accusations.
Experts like Professor Astrid Kaptijn of the University of Freiburg suggest that the Vatican’s Dikasterium – the department responsible for handling abuse cases – may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of reports and lacking sufficient resources for effective oversight. She argues that a stronger commitment from the Pope and a more robust system of external control are needed to ensure genuine accountability.
While some Swiss monasteries are embracing preventative measures, such as psychological assessments and training programs, the effectiveness of these initiatives remains uncertain. A lack of external scrutiny and a reliance on self-regulation raise concerns about their long-term impact.
Amélie M., now living in France, identifies as a “soeur sans domicile fixe” – a nun without a home – and advocates for greater transparency and support for survivors. Her story, and those of others emerging from the shadows, underscore the urgent need for systemic change within the Catholic Church and a renewed commitment to protecting those who seek solace and spiritual fulfillment within its walls.
