Office of Compliance

The world is already so torn and divided, brokenness is now everywhere. Consequently, the church – the seamless garment of the Lord – cannot allow herself to be ... broken or fought over. - Pope Francis,  at a gathering of 400 US bishops, St. Matthew Cathedral, Washington DC., Sept. 23, 2015

Sexual Abuse Policies, Procedures and Prevention in the Diocese of Providence

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has in place one of the strongest anti-sexual abuse programs in the United States. Nationally recognized by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Diocese of Providence’s policy clearly states that known sex offenders are not permitted to serve in active ministry. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, the eighth Bishop of Providence, upholds and strictly enforces the Diocese’s strong anti-sexual abuse program. Continually reaffirming the commitment to ensuring safe environment in the Church, the Diocese’s policy is regularly reviewed by professionals in the areas of psychology, ministry and law, and is updated as required.

• Read Bishop Henning's Letter of Promulgation (2023)
• Read Bishop Tobin’s Letter of Promulgation (2014)

 

A pastoral response program exists for alleged victims, providing non-prejudicial psychological counseling. To learn about support services, call 401.946.0728 or write: Office of Outreach and Prevention, 80 Saint Mary’s Drive, Cranston, RI 02920.

Pope John Paul II reminded in his Address to the Cardinals of the United States in April 2002 that the sexual abuse of minors is “by every standard wrong and rightly considered a crime by society; it is also an appalling sin in the eyes of God.”  The Office of Compliance continues to educate all diocesan employees at every level and ministry about the child protection, from holding Safe Environment Trainings to requiring mandatory background checks for those who work with children. The Office of Compliance impartially investigates each and every complaint received.

If you know of, suspect, or have been a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a church employee or volunteer please immediately contact the Office of Compliance.
 

Child Protection Links

• Diocesan Child Protection and Outreach Policy
• Common Misconception and Facts: Sex Abuse and the Catholic Church
• Frequently Asked Questions
• USCCB: Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
• Vatican Response to Abuse
• Canon Law and Abuse
• Diocese of Providence Safe Environment Training

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service

The  Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) (reportbishopabuse.org or 800-276-1562) has been established to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by  living bishops, and to relay those reports to 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. As an alternative to using the CBAR service, an individual may also report offenses committed by a living bishop to the local reporting individual for the province, which includes the Archdiocese of Hartford, and the Dioceses of Bridgeport, Norwich and Providence. Kathleen D. Nowosadko, the province’s local reporting individual, will receive reports either by email  ([email protected]) or by phone (860-541-6475).


April is Child Abuse Awareness Month
Below please find information and resources from the US Conference of Catholic Bishops: 
 

• USCCB Protection of Children and Young People website
• Resource Booklet
• Resource webpage
• Novena for Protection and Healing from Abuse
• Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse
• Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: Reflection for victims of abuse
• Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network: Prayer for victims of abuse