Sexual Abuse: Roman Catholic Church in the U.S paid out $615 million last year for child sex abuse cases

The Roman Catholic Church in the United States paid out $615 million last year for child sex abuse cases involving members of the clergy. This figure represents a 54 percent increase on the previous year.

An official report says that $526 million dollars went to settling cases - almost double the amount paid out in 2006.

Around $23 million was paid out for therapy for victims or support for accused offenders, and $60 million dollars for legal fees.

There were 689 new allegations of abuse lodged last year - three percent fewer than in 2006. Most involved cases dating back decades.

The figures were announced in a report commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).