A Polish woman shares her harrowing experience of childhood sexual abuse by a priest, highlighting her ongoing trauma and the failure of the legal system to hold abusers accountable.
Lilianna Kupaj, a woman living in the Tarnów diocese, recounts her harrowing experience of sexual abuse by a priest when she was just eight years old. Despite undergoing many years of therapy, the painful memories continue to haunt her. As she highlights the issue, she draws attention to the response from the Vatican, which has deemed her case too old to pursue legally, effectively silencing her ordeal and allowing the perpetrator to evade justice.
In February 2026, Kupaj attended a court session as a spectator to witness the bishop facing charges related to concealing information about pedophile priests. Her abuser, however, would not be tried in court due to the statute of limitations on her case. This reflects a broader systemic failure to address and prosecute sexual abuse within the church, leaving many victims without any form of justice. With the world watching, Kupaj bravely shared her story in front of cameras and reporters, calling for attention to the suffering that numerous women face after experiencing sexual violence as children.
This powerful testimony sheds light on the ongoing tragedy of sexual violence against women and girls, emphasizing the need for societal acknowledgment and legal reform to better protect victims. Kupaj's courage to speak out represents a growing movement among survivors, urging global awareness and demanding justice for those silenced by fear or the passage of time. As the conversation around sexual violence in the church gains momentum, it challenges institutions to take accountability and provide support for survivors.
