Responsible Ministry and Safe Environment
The Diocese of Victoria wishes to ensure that the dignity of all persons is respected within our parishes and schools. This encompasses its programs and facilities, those we serve, particularly the young and the vulnerable as well as those who serve; clergy, religious, employees and volunteers in general. The Diocese, furthermore, upholds the fundamental good of all that God has created yet it recognizes the reality that within our humanity there is always the possibility of misconduct towards others. These policies are meant to assist the Church in responding with charity and justice.
As part of our deep commitment to ensuring the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our care, the Diocese has contracted with Praesidium Inc. to provide abuse prevention training to all clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers actively working within the Diocese. This is accomplished through completion of an online program entitled "Armatus: Learn to Protect".
Greg Beattie serves as Responsible Ministry & Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese; each parish also has its own RM Coordinator.
As part of our deep commitment to ensuring the safety of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our care, the Diocese has contracted with Praesidium Inc. to provide abuse prevention training to all clergy, religious, employees, and volunteers actively working within the Diocese. This is accomplished through completion of an online program entitled "Armatus: Learn to Protect".
Greg Beattie serves as Responsible Ministry & Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese; each parish also has its own RM Coordinator.
How Do I Report Suspected Abuse?
Any cleric, religious, employee or volunteer who has reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult may be abused, neglected or is for any other reason in need of protection, must first report this to a child protection social worker. The Diocese has contracted an outside independent In-Take Service Agency to serve as the first point of contact for all cases of sexual abuse. A trained counsellor will respond to the toll-free number (1-800-968-3146) to provide assistance with the process for reporting abuse claims.
You can also refer to The Child, Family and Community Service Act (www.mcf.gov.bc.ca) or the MCFD handbook: “Responding to Child Welfare Concern: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report”.
If a child is in immediate danger call police at 911.
If you are a child or youth call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234.
Victim Link BC: 250-310-1234
Any cleric, religious, employee or volunteer who has reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult may be abused, neglected or is for any other reason in need of protection, must first report this to a child protection social worker. The Diocese has contracted an outside independent In-Take Service Agency to serve as the first point of contact for all cases of sexual abuse. A trained counsellor will respond to the toll-free number (1-800-968-3146) to provide assistance with the process for reporting abuse claims.
You can also refer to The Child, Family and Community Service Act (www.mcf.gov.bc.ca) or the MCFD handbook: “Responding to Child Welfare Concern: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report”.
If a child is in immediate danger call police at 911.
If you are a child or youth call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234.
Victim Link BC: 250-310-1234
