Sexual Abuse in the Buddhist Monastery: A Burden for Sri Lankan Children

Abstract

n this critical note, I combine my lived experience and doctoral research findings to highlight the problem with ordaining young children. My research and experience confirmed child abuse and systemic barriers to detection and disclosure within the monastery. Victims remain silent due to ignorance and shame. Social deference and power associated with monastic leadership deter external safeguarding oversight. The monastic leadership is emboldened by the privileged position afforded by the constitution and is mainly concerned with preservation of its lineage and reputation. Despite abuse, risks and high attrition rates among novice monks, child ordination continues along with the problems associated with it and children from the low socio-economic backgrounds remain vulnerable to it. While safeguarding measures must be urgently taken, more resources should be dedicated to research this area.