All children have the right to grow up free from abuse. The Archdiocese of Boston has made a Promise to Protect children, provide them with a Safe Environment, and respond quickly and appropriately to any concerns about possible abuse or neglect. By learning how to create and maintain a safe space, monitor activities, recognize danger and warning signs, and address concerns, our adult employees and volunteers help children stay safe everywhere.
In addition to training our adults, we also help our children and youth learn how to recognize risk, stay safe, and to tell a safe adult if something feels wrong, if they are afraid, or if something happens to themselves or someone they know.
We have also committed to addressing the needs of those who have suffered because of sexual abuse by clergy and others within the church, investigating and responding to all allegations of misconduct involving minors, removing abusive priests from active ministry consistent with our zero-tolerance policy, and helping abuse survivors to heal.
Sexual abuse of a child is an abhorrent crime. It should never have happened, not anywhere in society and certainly not in the Catholic Church. But it did. That is something that we must never forget and must never ignore, not even for a moment. We must remain committed to helping those who were hurt and focused on preventing abuse now and in the future.
No one person can solve this problem alone. The solution needs to come from the top down, the bottom up, and from all sides. To help those who were hurt and prevent abuse in the future, we all need to keep our eye on the issue. We all must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep our children safe and to care for those who were abused.
Thank you and please call the Office of Pastoral Support and Child Protection at any time at 617-746-5985. You can also reach us by email at [email protected].
