How is the Catholic Church Combatting Sexual Abuse?

The Catholic Church has done more to protect children than almost any other organization in the United States. Safe Environment training is taking place in 195 dioceses/eparchies across the country, including all seven dioceses in Michigan (Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, and Saginaw). Over 2.4 million adults-including clergy, educators, and volunteers-have been trained to recognize the behavior of offenders and what to do about it. In addition:

All dioceses have Victims Assistance Coordinators assuring victims that they will be heard.
Bishops are meeting with victims.
Background checks are conducted on Church personnel who have contact with children.
Over 4.5 million children have been equipped with the skills to help them protect themselves from abuse.
All seven Michigan dioceses have Safe Environment Coordinators who are assuring ongoing compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (Charter).

With the adoption of the Charter in 2002, a Zero Tolerance Policy has been put in place that stipulates if any credible accusation is made against a cleric, they are permanently removed from ministry regardless of how long ago the offense occurred.

The Catholic Church has worked hard to protect children. Much has been done but more needs to be done. Until child sexual abuse is no longer a part of society, the Church will continue its efforts to stop it.

Read more about how the U.S. Catholic Church is responding to abuse, or click on one of the links below to read about how arch/dioceses in Michigan are working to assist victims and protect children.

USCCB

Last updated March 1, 2018.