How to Report Abuse
Minors
If you or someone you know was physically or sexually abused as a minor, the first place to file a report is with law enforcement. Contact the police or sheriff’s department in the city or county where the abuse occurred. If the abuse occurred in San Diego County, you can also contact San Diego County Child Welfare Services at 858-560-2191. If the abuse occurred in Imperial County, you can contact Imperial County Child and Family Services at 866-858-7750.
If you believe that the suspected abuser is currently a priest in ministry or is an employee or volunteer in the Diocese, please get in touch with our Victim Assistance Coordinator immediately so we can take steps to prevent further abuse. The Victim Abuse Hotline takes calls 24 hours a day in English and Spanish at 858-490-8353 or via email at misconduct@sdcatholic.org
Senior Citizens & Dependent Adults
If You Are a Mandated Reporter
Physicians, priests, teachers, counselors and many other professionals are mandated reporters under California law and are required to report any suspected abuse of minors, senior citizens and dependent adults.
Mandated reporters are required to contact law enforcement or child/adult protective services and file a written report within 36 hours. To download a “Suspected Child Abuse Report” click here. Additional information can be found here. To download a “Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse Report” click here.
How We Respond to a Report
What happens when a person makes a report of sexual abuse to the diocese?
Anyone who believes they were the victim of sexual abuse by a member of the clergy, church or school staff may contact the diocese’s Victim Assistance Coordinator, who will promptly respond. A report may be made regardless of when the abuse occurred. Reports may be made in English or Spanish. The Victim Assistance Coordinator can be reached at (858) 490-8353 or by email.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator seeks to compassionately listen and respond to all callers, assuring them of our deep concern for their well-being, and accompany the victims/survivors throughout the process. For those alleging sexual abuse by a clergy member, this process is followed:
The Coordinator:
- Interviews the person making the report and gathers the pertinent information.
- Reports all suspected abuse to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Advises the person to contact the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction in the locale where the alleged abuse occurred.
- Gives the initial information to the proper diocesan officials.
After a report is received:
- The Victim Assistance Coordinator helps the victim/survivor receive therapy, resources, and support they need.
- Accused priests and other ministers active in ministry are temporarily suspended pending an investigation.
- When necessary, the Bishop engages the diocesan Independent Review Board for determining if the accused priest can remain in ministry.
Assistance for Victims/Survivors of Clergy Abuse
We acknowledge that it takes great courage for a person who has experienced abuse by someone in the Church to reach out to that same Church, either to report the abuse or to ask for assistance of any kind. To all victim/survivors, Cardinal McElroy says, “I have personally met with survivors and have seen and heard their pain. As Bishop of this diocese, I deeply apologize to each victim for the harm inflicted on him or her, and offer our help now and in the future.”
In accord with the directives called for in the “Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People” first published in 2002, the Diocese of San Diego has responded to victims of clergy sexual abuse, providing counseling and support, immediate reporting to police authorities, and prompt action in following up on allegations of such abuse.
In addition to helping victims/survivors make a formal report of abuse to the diocese, the Victim Assistance Coordinator works with survivors and their families to provide ongoing therapy and other programs that promote emotional and spiritual healing. The Victim Assistance Coordinator ensures that allegations are brought both to the appropriate law enforcement jurisdiction and, as necessary, to investigation by the diocesan Independent Review Board.
The Victim Assistance Coordinator also works to educate parishes about the problem of child abuse and child sexual abuse in particular, and provides information and educational opportunities to communities on the preventive measures that the Church has in place.
It is the diocese’s hope that our increased efforts and commitment to those harmed by abuse will help them move toward healing and reconciliation.
If you or someone you know has been sexually abused by Church personnel, please reach out to:
Resources for Those Impacted by Abuse
Local Resources for immediate help:
- 211 San Diego. Dial: 211 or visit www.211.org (a resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services)
- Access & Crisis Line- Dial 911 or 1-888-724-7420 (info. on mental health help)
- Behavioral Health Services – 316 25th St., San Diego. 619-445-6200
- Adult Outpatient Psychiatric Services – fees vary – call 619-543-6250
- SD County Child Welfare Services & Child Abuse Hotline (24 hours) 800-344-6000
- Imperial County Child Protective Services – (760) 337-7750 or 24 Hour Child Abuse Hotline: (866) 858-7750
- SD County Adult Protective Services – 800-339-4661
Diocese of San Diego website for Victim Assistance and Safe Environments – safeinourdiocese.org
Diocese of San Diego Victim Assistance Coordinator – 858-490-8353, macosta@sdcatholic.org.
Friends for the Journey – A local support group for those abused by clergy. Contact via Mary Acosta, 858-490-8353, macosta@sdcatholic.org, to connect.
Spiritual Directors International – An inclusive, global learning community that advocates for and celebrates the service of spiritual direction, spiritual companionship, and spiritual guidance. Find local spiritual directors at https://www.sdicompanions.org/.
Not Alone – A Christ-centered recovery process for women who have experienced physical, emotional or sexual trauma – San Diego based accompaniment. www.annemarierichardson.com
National Resources:
- 1 in 6.org For men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. Offer support to a path to a happier, healthier future.
- RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) for a comprehensive list of national resources.
- The Healing Voices A dedicated group of survivors abused by clergy. Their mission is to reconcile our faith with the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual harm done to us. They wish to reach out to all who have suffered from any tragic event that has left your hearts broken and your faith shaken, just like ours. You are invited to join a collective healing journey.
- Maria Goretti Network The Maria Goretti Network family reaches out to abuse victims, their families, and to those who support our recovery, with God’s love as witnessed in the life of Maria Goretti.
- Men’s Rite of Passage retreats-Fr. Richard Rohr For most men, the question of what it means to be a man is perplexing. Most men have a longing for the support and guidance of other men in their journey towards masculinity, maturity, and a deeper experience with the divine. In ancient cultures, initiation rites and vision quests were used to help boys make the journey into adulthood. Opening the door to this journey can start with the Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) retreat. This retreat can help awaken men to the adventure and mystery of their own masculinity, their deep spirituality, their potential for leadership, and their life’s purpose.
- The ManKind Project The ManKind Project is men’s community for the 21st Century. MKP is a nonprofit training and education organization with three decades of proven success hosting life-changing experiential personal development programs for men. MKP supports a global network of free peer-facilitated men’s groups and supports men in leading lives of integrity, authenticity, and service.
- The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis offers online support groups for those abused by clergy as children, as adults, and for family members. Contact Paula Kaempffer, Outreach Coordinator, 612-231-5481, kaempfferp@archspm.org.
Books for Healing and Personal Growth (Diocese of San Diego Victim Assistance Coordinator may have these books to lend, otherwise they can be found online easily)
- Veronica’s Veil: Spiritual Companionship for Survivors of Abuse: A Guide for Integrated Faith with Recovery – by T. Pitt Green
- When a Man You Love Was Abused – by Cecil Murphey
- Hurting in the Church- A Way Forward for Wounded Catholics – by Fr. Thomas Berg
- Not Alone Christ Centered Recovery Process for Women Who have Experienced Physical, Emotional or Sexual Trauma – by Anne Richardson
Struggles with Porn/Purity/Sexual Health:
For other resources for families, youth groups and parishes, see Safeinourdiocese.org
May God bless you on your journey toward health, wholeness, healing and faith.
Friends for the Journey Survivor’s Corner
Examples of Sexual Misconduct
Sexual harassment is sexualized language or conduct found to be unwelcome and offensive, such as:
- Making unsolicited sexual advances and propositions
- Using sexually degrading words to describe an individual or an individual’s body
- Retaliating against the co-worker who refuses sexual advances
- Retaliating against the co-worker who refuses sexual advances
- Offering favors or employment benefits, such as promotions favorable performance evaluations, favorably assigned duties or shifts recommendations and the like in exchange for sexual favors.
Sexual exploitation is the sexual conduct that violates a trust relationship.
Sexual abuse is sexual contact between a church leader and a minor or a “vulnerable adult” as defined by law.
Either sexual exploitation or sexual abuse can include physical contact from the church leader, such as:
- Sexual touch or other intrusive touching (i.e. tickling, wrestling, or other physical contact) that causes uneasiness or discomfort in the one touched.
- Sexual touch or other intrusive touching (i.e. tickling, wrestling, or other physical contact) that causes uneasiness or discomfort in the one touched.
- A prolonged hug when a brief hug is customary behavior.
- Kissing on the lips when a kiss on the cheek would be appropriate.
- Showing sexually suggestive objects or pornography.
- Sexual intercourse, anal or oral sex.
Sexual exploitation or sexual abuse can also include verbal behavior such as:
- Innuendo or sexual talk
- Sexual comments;
- Tales of sexual exploits, experiences or conflicts
- Making sexual proposals.