Pope Benedict XVI addressed the child abuse scandal that so wounded our Catholic Community several times during his visit to the United States. He said, “We are deeply ashamed and will do all possible that this cannot happen in the future.”
Since the sexual abuse scandal became public, studies show that at least 20% of Americans are victims of some sort of sexual abuse by the time they turn eighteen. Tragically, this abuse occurs in all areas of society.
The Office of Safe Environment of the Diocese of Salt Lake City has developed a curriculum to provide safe environment training for our children. This curriculum was designed with two goals in mind: to promote and model safe environment principles and to help prevent child abuse by teaching our children about the right relationships and what to do when something is not right.
The Catholic Diocese and The Cathedral of the Madeleine Parish are committed to protecting children and young people. If you are aware of abuse or have ever been abused by clerics, church volunteers, or church workers, contact:
- Division of Child and Family Services at 1-800-678-9399
- For Pastoral assistance, contact the Diocesan Pastoral Center at 1-801-328-8641
- For further information from our Safe Environment Coordinator: Brenda Gonzales at 1-801-328-8941 Ext. 106
