WACO (September 9, 2009)--The prevalence of clergy sexual misconduct with adults is higher than many people realize and occurs across denominations and religions, according to the results of a nationwide study released Wednesday by Baylor University’s School of Social Work.

The findings come from questions from a 2008 survey of more than 3,500 American adults who, among other things, were asked if they’ve ever been the objects of sexual advances from a religious leader since turning 18.

The study found that 3.1 percent of adult women who attend religious services at least once a month have been the victims of clergy sexual misconduct since they turned 18.

That translates to an average of about seven women in a congregation of 400 adults, the study says.

"Because many people are familiar with some of the high-profile cases of sexual misconduct, most people assume that it is just a matter of a few charismatic leaders preying on vulnerable followers," said Dr. Diana Garland, Dean of the School of Social Work at Baylor University and lead researcher in the study.

"What this research tells us, however, is that clergy sexual misconduct with adults is a widespread problem in congregations of all sizes and occurs across denominations. Now that we have a better understanding of the problem, we can start looking at prevention strategies."

"This is the largest scientific study into clergy sexual misconduct with adults. We hope these findings will prompt congregations to consider adopting policies and procedures designed to protect their members from leaders who abuse their power," Garland said.

"Many people - including the victims themselves - often label incidences of clergy sexual misconduct with adults as 'affairs'. In reality, they are an abuse of spiritual power by the religious leader," she said.