Reporting Information

1. To make a report if you have suffered abuse and/or misconduct yourself.

The Diocese of Sandhurst acknowledges the lifelong trauma that survivors of abuse and their families have suffered as well as the failure of the Catholic Church in the past to protect, believe and respond justly to victims of sexual abuse and misconduct. The Diocese commits itself to working with victims of abuse for healing and justice in their lives.

If you would like to speak with a person in the Diocese about abuse you have suffered, you can contact:

   The Safeguarding Co-ordinator of the Diocese
   M: 0438 951 010
   E:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

   Diocesan Archivist and Professional Standards Officer
   T: 03 5445 3611
   E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

The Catholic Church in Sandhurst is a party to several programs aimed at assisting victims of abuse to find healing, justice and compensation in their lives. Two such programs are Pathways Victoria, and the National Redress Scheme. 

Further information can be found at Pathways Victoria and the National Redress Scheme click to download the NRS Application form 2018

2. To report abuse and/or misconduct.

If you need to report child abuse (a child and young person is anyone under the age of 18 years) you should contact the Police 000 (emergency services) and the Safeguarding Co-ordinator of the Diocese (0438 951 010) as soon as you can if you believe a child is or has been the subject of abuse or misconduct.

If the child or young person is in immediate danger, you should call the Police on 000 (emergency services).

You do not need to be absolutely certain that abuse or neglect of a child or adult at risk has taken place before you call the Police. If you suspect a child is at risk or harm, you should call the Child Protection Authority in your state or territory to talk about your concerns.

Contacts:

Child Protection Services (North Division) 1300 664 977 
Child Protection services (East Division) 1300 360 391
Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP) 1300 782 987.  

If you suspect an adult at risk (an adult at risk is a person over the age of 18 years who is at an increased risk of experiencing abuse or exploitation, including by virtue of their age, disability, diminished capacity, cognitive impairment, cultural background, life or personal circumstance) is at risk or harm, and in immediate danger, you should call the Police on 000 (emergency services).  Please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator of the Diocese (0438 951 010) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for support and advice. 

The links you need to make a report of abuse or misconduct are these:

1.   default What to do when an allegation of child abuse is made.  (230 KB)

2.  default Reporting  Abuse (the process to follow to make a report/complaint) (149 KB) . 

3.   pdf Incident Recording Form Reportable Conduct (71 KB)

pdf 4 (71 KB) .  Reporting Portal to the Commission for Children and Young People

The person in charge of the Diocese (Bishop) or in charge of the local parish (Parish Priest) or a Diocesan agency or entity (Director) has a legal responsibility to notify current and historical incidents of suspected child abuse or misconduct by clergy, employees, volunteers and contractors in the Diocese to the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).

The Diocese is responsible for coordinating the reporting of child related abuse or misconduct. It liases with Victoria Police and the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP)

Please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Co-Ordinator of the Diocese (0438 951 010) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for support and advice regarding Mandatory Reporting.

3. To report abuse or misconduct by clergy if you are a cleric (Deacon, Priest, Bishop) or Religious.

There is a Church obligation for Clergy and Religious to report crimes of abuse towards children and adults at risk committed by other Clergy and Religious. There is a universal reporting form (Reporting of Canonical Crime form) to be used in Australia by all Clergy (Bishops, Priests, Deacons) and all Religious (male and female). Link:  pdf Clergy Reporting Summary (605 KB)

Please contact the Safeguarding Co-ordinator of the Diocese (0438 951 010 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for support and assistance in making a report of suspected abuse or misconduct, and how Clergy and Religious can make a report using the Reporting of Canonical Crime Form.