Diocese issues annual report of abuse stats

In its comprehensive report, the Diocese reiterates that "protecting children and young people is an unswerving commitment."

The report lists several initiatives to assist victims and to prevent future abuse that have been implemented in the past 12 months: the IMAP program for victims; educational programs for students; training of employees and volunteers to recognize and prevent abuse; background checks on Church workers and volunteers who interact with children; outreach to victims; communications with the public; and the policy of zero tolerance of abuse by clergy.

Statistics

Providing statistics about the past year, the Diocese reports that:

* no allegations of recent sexual abuse of minors have been made;

* two priests were removed from ministry in 2004 after the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Review Board determined there were reasonable grounds to believe the allegations against them (the removals were announced publicly);

* investigations are now being conducted into allegations against nine priests, two of whom are in active ministry;

* the Diocese has committed more than $8 million to compensation, programs and services to help individuals who, as minors, were sexually abused by diocesan clergy, including more than $3.3 million spent since 1950 and a commitment of $5 million to the IMAP program; and

* more than 40,000 children have received awareness training; more than 12,000 employees and volunteers have been trained in recognizing and preventing abuse; and more than 5,000 diocesan employees and volunteers have undergone background checks.

(12/2/04)