National Child Abuse Prevention Month provides the opportunity to renew our sacred commitment of protecting the most vulnerable among us from every form of abuse. The Diocese of Arlington is dedicated to accompanying and assisting victim/survivors on their lifelong healing journey.

National statistics indicate a 19% decrease in child abuse cases over the past four years, with Virginia reporting a 29.5% decrease, which is promising news. However, we must not let this progress diminish our determination to protect victims of child abuse. The Catholic Church acknowledges its historical failure to protect all God's children. The Diocese continues to work diligently to preserve the innocence of children from every form of abuse and maintains a zero-tolerance policy for anyone credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. During this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are especially committed with members of our parishes and local communities to provide abuse prevention education and opportunities for healing to victims.

The Diocese of Arlington Office of Victims' Assistance offers support and guidance to victims as well as referrals for ongoing counseling. The diocese remains fully committed to training our clergy, staff, and volunteers to identify and report any suspected instances of abuse. Our Office of Child Protection works with parish staff to ensure training and prevention are followed throughout our parishes and schools.

Every child has an infinite dignity as a beloved child of God, and it is our duty to ensure that it is nurtured and protected. The diocese invites all the faithful to stand with us as beacons of hope and “apostles of reconciliation” in our efforts and prayers to protect children from any form of abuse. May we be united in our prayer asking God to watch over and protect all children and console those wounded by abuse in any way.

The Diocese of Arlington encourages anyone aware of misconduct or abuse by any person affiliated with the Diocese to report it to local law enforcement and contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator at (703) 841-2530.