St. Pius X Parish and the Diocese of Green Bay are committed to keeping our children safe and protecting the most vulnerable in our community. Anyone entrusted to the care of children and vulnerable adults must complete safe environment training and must undergo a background check.
Promise to Protect; Pledge to Heal Brochure
Shileng Yang
Safe Environment Coordinator - St. Pius X
[email protected]
Diocese of Green Bay
Office of Safe Environment
920-272-8174
1-877-270-8174
[email protected]
https://www.gbdioc.org/protecting-our-children/safe-environment
"We as the Church strive to create environments where all people treat each other with dignity, charity and respect; and the faithful are served by men and women who fully reflect the love and protection of Jesus Christ.” - Bishop David L. Ricken
SHOULD I REPORT AN ACT OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY DIOCESAN PERSONNEL TO THE DIOCESE?
Yes. The Diocese of Green Bay takes very seriously any and all credible complaints of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy, religious and lay staff of the Diocese. We encourage anyone with knowledge of an act of sexual misconduct to inform the Diocese immediately so that we can take appropriate action to protect others and provide support to victims of sexual abuse.
WHO CAN I CONTACT TO REPORT AN ALLEGATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OR MISCONDUCT?
Any person who wishes to report an incident of sexual misconduct by a member of the clergy, religious or lay staff of the Diocese of Green Bay should contact the Office of Safe Environment at the Diocese as follows:
Office of Safe Environment Diocese of Green Bay at 877-270-8174 or 920-272-8174
Write to:
Office of Safe Environment, Diocese of Green Bay,
P.O. Box 23825, Green Bay, WI 54305-3825.
Letters should be marked Personal and Confidential and indicate when and how the person writing can be contacted for further information.
DOES THE DIOCESE PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMS?
Yes. The Diocese is committed to the wellbeing of those who have suffered abuse, and has designated a Victim Assistance Coordinator to help anyone who reports that he or she has been abused.
SHOULD I REPORT THE ALLEGATION TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES?
Yes, immediately if the person is now under the age of 18. If the person was abused as a minor but is now an adult, the Diocese strongly encourages that individual with the allegation to contact the civil authorities in the county where the incident(s) occurred. Even though the Diocese reports all credible abuse allegations to the civil authorities, it is important that they hear directly from the individual making the allegation.
THE DIOCESE SHALL TAKE EVERY COMPLAINT SERIOUSLY.
The Diocese will respond promptly and seriously to every complaint of sexual misconduct against a minor by a priest or deacon. When the Diocese receives an allegation that a priest or deacon has engaged in sexual misconduct, an investigation will immediately begin. The Diocese will offer the alleged victim pastoral assistance and counseling that may be needed. During the investigation, the rights of all those who are involved, including both the person making the allegation and the person accused of misconduct, will be protected. The person making the complaint may seek counsel to vindicate his/her rights if the person believes that the Diocese has not responded adequately to the allegation.
WHAT IS BEING DONE TO PREVENT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT IN THE CHURCH?
Every effort is made to assure that all persons ministering in the Diocese are aware of and will abide by the policies prohibiting sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse, and the procedures for dealing with incidents of sexual misconduct. All employees of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay and its local representatives; all Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians; and any volunteers age 18 and over who have direct contact with children, youth, and individuals at risk are required to attend a VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children TM Adult Awareness Session, complete an approved diocesan criminal background check and acknowledge receipt of an appropriate conduct policy.
CONCLUSION
Sexual misconduct is complex as well as terribly harmful. No simple or uniform methodology can provide an effective response because each instance has unique aspects that require adaptation. However, our experience over the past many years tells us it is possible for individuals and communities to heal from the effects of sexual misconduct. This is not easily or quickly accomplished. Effective counseling, support groups and spiritual direction are tools which are often required for this healing.
THE DIOCESE IS COMMITTED TO DOING ALL THAT IT CAN TO:
• Promote safe, healthy communities of faith.
• Intervene effectively when there is sexual misconduct.
• Respond fairly and compassionately to those harmed by sexual misconduct.
If you know of an incident of sexual abuse of a person who is now under the age of 18 by a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CALL THE CIVIL AUTHORITIES AND THEN THE DIOCESE.
If the person was abused as a minor and is now an adult, please contact:
Office of Safe Environment Diocese of Green Bay at 877-270-8174 or 920-272-8174.
We always encourage you to report the incident to local civil authorities. To report suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of an adult at risk, contact the Department of Human Services in your county.
For individual county information, please visit:
dcf.wisconsin.gov dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/elderabuse