How is this surprising? While there is no direct link between conservatism and child abuse, some institutional characteristics that often align with conservatism enable abuse but especially allow it to be hidden:

• Strict hierarchical structures
• Authoritarianism or lack of accountability
• Taboos around sex and sexuality
• Secrecy or resistance to external oversight

We saw the same happening in the Catholic church for decades, because it is similarly set up.

It happens in every religion and atheist households and gatherings, too. It's pervasive and to pretend otherwise is beyond disingenuous, it's dishonest.