The Archdiocese reports incidents of abuse, whether by clergy, staff, volunteers or others to law enforcement and collaborates actively with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute abuse.
How are complaints or allegations of sexual misconduct handled
by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles?
The Archdiocese treats all complaints of sexual misconduct
seriously and deals with such allegations in a prompt, confidential
and thorough manner with compassion and consideration for all those
involved.
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A complaint against an Archdiocesan priest or deacon, Catholic
school personnel, or other Archdiocesan employee may be initiated
in writing or by telephoning the Victims Assistance Ministry Coordinator
at (213) 637-7650 or (800) 355 2545.
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Complaints against Religious Order priests or Women Religious are
made to their own Religious Superior. The Archdiocesan Victims Assistance
Ministry Coordinator is able to assist directing such a complaint
to the proper authority.
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Complaints against parish employees or volunteers may be directed
to the pastor or associate pastor of the parish in question.
How will the Archdiocese handle sexual exploitation or sexual
abuse complaints if lodged against a member of the clergy (i.e., bishops,
priests or deacons)?
When a member of the clergy is accused, a team (including
the Victims Assistance Ministry Coordinator, the Vicar for Clergy, and a
special fact-finder known as an Auditor) responds promptly to the complaint.
In dealing with these, the Archdiocese will:
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Make every effort to act in a way that protects people from being
harmed, including relieving an accused priest or deacon from ministerial
duties if there is sufficient evidence to support the allegations.
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Comply with all civil reporting mandates governing sexual abuse.
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Strive impartially to determine the facts and circumstances as
accurately as possible.
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Offer victims and their families assistance in obtaining psychological
counseling and spiritual direction.
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Deal as openly as possible with members of the parish community
while respecting the privacy of the individuals involved and in accordance
with Church law governing such situations.