The Office of Child Protection and Victim Assistance

The Office of Child Protection and Victim Assistance provides opportunities to report abuse, heal from abuse, and find support. Additionally, this office works to ensure that all children and youth in programs throughout the diocese have a safe environment full of caring and responsible adults to watch over them.

How to Report a Suspected Incident of Child Abuse or Sexual Misconduct

The Office of Victim Assistance seeks to reach out and support victims of sexual abuse. If you believe there is an incident of child abuse or sexual misconduct, please visit this page to fill out a form and return it to the Victim Assistance Office. 

 


Diocesan response to the sexual abuse crisis

Learn about the commitments the Diocese of Arlington makes with regard to allegations of child sexual abuse and protecting God's children. Get answers to frequently asked questions, read diocesan responses to the sexual abuse crisis, and learn how to report a suspected incident of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct. View the Diocese of Arlington list of priests credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor and important notices regarding diocesan clergy and employees.


Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service

To report an incident of sexual abuse and related misconduct by a bishop, please contact the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service at ReportBishopAbuse.org or call (800) 276-1562. The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service will receive and relay those reports to the proper Church authorities for investigation. Where a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential. Please click here for information on how to make a report.

 

Programs and Resources

Public Messages

USCCB Annual Report - 2019

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection has released the 2019 Annual Report - Findings and Recommendations on the Implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.

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VIRTUS

VIRTUS: Protecting God’s Children Safe Environment Training for Adults

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Youth Training Programs

Safe Environment Training Programs for Children and Youths

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Background Checks

Resources for employees and volunteers to complete for compliance

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Liaisons

Liaisons serve as the primary contact point for child protection related questions and policy implementation at the parish or school level.

USCCB CYP Pledge to Heal

USCCB Charter & Norms

Governing documents from the USCCB on the Protection of Children/Youth, providing safe environments, and reporting of abuse.

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Diocese of Arlington’s Annual Child Protection and Victim Assistance Reports

Past Annual Child Protection, Victim Assistance, Advisory Board Reports and Victim/Survivor Sharing.

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Child Protection Resources

Additional Resources for Parents, Volunteers and Employees for the protection of children and youth and the promotion of a safe environment

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Review Board for the Diocese of Arlington

View the names and professions of the current board members

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Counseling and Programs for Those Sexually Abused by Clergy

Explore opportunities for healing and growth including spiritual and pyschological counseling, Healing Masses, Prayers Services and Support Group Evenings with Bishop Burbidge and an Annual Day Long Retreat.

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Reflections for Those Sexually Abused

Check out talks from previous annual retreats, read messages of hope from survivors, and learn about books that other victim survivors have found helpful.

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FAQs

Find answers to your specific questions on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

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Bishop Burbidge's message for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy

Read Bishop Burbidge's message and personal commitment to hope and healing for those sexually abused by clergy, religious, lay volunteers, and employees of the Church.

Read the Letter