- The Nature of the Problem
- Responding to the Problem
- Reporting Abuse
- Policies
- Training
- Resources
- Did You Know...
- I Will Appoint Over You Shepherds After My Own Heart
- USCCB Audit Report
Response to Complaints of Sexual Misconduct
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 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.
Preventing Sexual Misconduct
What is being done to prevent sexual misconduct in the Church?
Every effort is made to assure that all persons ministering in the Archdiocese are aware of and will abide by the policies prohibiting sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse, and of the procedures for dealing with incidents of sexual misconduct.
School personnel are screened for their ability to work safely with children, are provided information to help recognize and deal with issues of child sexual abuse, and are offered guidance and instruction on appropriate professional conduct with students.
All seminarians and candidates for the diaconate go through an extensive evaluation and psychological assessment before entering formation. After ordination, priests and deacons receive ongoing training on maintaining the integrity of the ministerial relationship.
Every person has the right to be respected and treated with the dignity befitting a child of God. Every person has the right to having appropriate boundaries respected. Every person has the right to challenge any behavior or comment that is offensive or inappropriate. It is the responsibility of everyone to protect the safety of children, families, women and men, and to promote healing where there is injury with firm justice and mercy towards all.
“The Light Shines in the Darkness and the Darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
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