The clergy sexual abuse crisis refers to the widespread allegations and incidents of sexual abuse committed by members of the clergy, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church. This crisis gained significant attention in the late 20th century, revealing that many cases had been covered up or inadequately addressed by church authorities, leading to public outrage and calls for accountability. As investigations unfolded, numerous reports documented the abuse of minors and vulnerable individuals, prompting legal actions and reforms within religious institutions. The crisis has led to increased scrutiny of church policies regarding the protection of children and the handling of abuse allegations, as well as discussions about the need for transparency and justice for victims.