Welcome

 

Am I required to report suspected sexual abuse or other abuse of a minor?

The answer is YES! Any personnel of the Diocese who have actual knowledge of or have reasonable cause to suspect misconduct against a minor by any personnel of the Diocese must report that information immediately.

Who do I report to?

Immediately notify:

Ms. Erin Neil, M.S.W., Director of Safe Environments & Victim Assistance Coordinator: (203) 650-3265
or
Mr. Bill Hoey, L.C.S.W., Clergy Counselor & Victim Assistance Coordinator: (203) 241-0987

and also

The State of Connecticut Department of Children & Families (DCF)
Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline, toll-free: (800) 842-2288

You must also notify your immediate supervisor.

What if I am unsure? What if I don't know?

When in doubt, REPORT!!!

Other Important Contact Information:

Mandated Reporters are also obligated to report directly to D.C.F. or to the Police. This document is in addition to mandated reporting guidelines.

For any questions or concerns, you may also contact:

Ms. Erin Neil, M.S.W.
Director, Office of Safe Environments
(203) 416-1406
E-mail

INCIDENT REPORT FORM FOR A VICTIM OF SEXUAL ABUSE AS MINORS
BY A PRIEST, DEACON, LAY EMPLOYEE, VOLUNTEER OR CONTRACT EMPLOYEE
OF THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, assault, molestation or exploitation as a minor (under the age of 18 years) by a person working for the Roman Catholic Church within The Diocese of Bridgeport (such as a priest, deacon, sister, brother, lay officer, lay employee, lay volunteer, etc.) whether the abuse took place recently or in the past or you suspect that abuse may occur, you are requested to report all details of the incident in the following manner:

I. Call the Victims Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Bridgeport, Ms. Linda Michaud, L.C.S.W. at (203) 650-3264

II. Compose in writing a detailed description of the facts involved in the incident and send it as soon as possible to: Linda Michaud, L.C.S.W Victims Assistance Coordinator 238 Jewett Avenue Bridgeport, CT 06606

Your detailed description of the incident should include:

  • Your Name
  • Your Address
  • Your telephone number
  • If known, your description should include the name, address and telephone number of the minor/victim and his/her parents or other person responsible for the minor's care.
  • The age/date of birth of the minor/victim.
  • The age of the minor/victim at the time of the alleged abuse
  • The gender of the minor/victim
  • The name and address of the person who allegedly committed the misconduct.
  • The date or dates when the alleged abuse occurred
  • The location(s)/Address where the alleged abuse took place
  • The circumstances and nature of the misconduct
  • The frequency and duration of the alleged abuse
  • Names and Contact Information of any witnesses or individuals who were present at the time of the abuse
  • Names and Contact information of any individual(s) that the incident was reported to.
  • Please also submit any other information that you feel is necessary.

III. Sign the Notice of Disclosure (sample below) and attach to the written report.

Once your report is received, information will then be communicated by the Victim Assistance Coordinator to the CT Department of Children and Families and/or the appropriate law enforcement agencies as required by law and to the designated Diocesan officials for a thorough investigation. If you are a non-mandated reporter under Connecticut law, you should also be aware of your right to report to appropriate authorities concerning this matter. We encourage you to report all alleged or suspected abuse of minors to The CT Department of Children and Families and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies. If you are a mandated reporter, you must report directly to the State Department of Children and Families Hotline and/or the appropriate law enforcement agencies as required by law.

Once the Victim Assistance Coordinator receives your report as outlined above, an investigation will be undertaken by or on behalf of the Diocese of Bridgeport.

The Diocese of Bridgeport has pledged to respond to all allegations of child sexual abuse swiftly, decisively, fairly and openly. However, no action can be taken by the Diocese of Bridgeport before there is a full understanding of all the facts as related by the alleged victim. Only then can a proper investigation begin and appropriate action be taken. If you are not ready or comfortable to provide the necessary information, I encourage you to do so as soon as you do feel ready. The victim assistance coordinator is available to meet or speak with you at any time. You may also contact the Diocese of Bridgeport Office of Safe Environments for more information.

NOTICE OF DISCLOSURE
INVOLVING ANY ALLEGATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR
BY A PRIEST, DEACON, LAY EMPLOYEE, VOLUNTEER OR SUB-CONTRACTOR
IN THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

While a high level of confidentiality will be maintained at all times, absolute confidentiality and/or anonymity can not be guaranteed in an allegation involving child sexual abuse of a minor by a priest, deacon, lay employee, volunteer or contract employee of the Diocese of Bridgeport. The Diocese of Bridgeport will not enter into any confidentiality agreements regarding allegations of sexual abuse of minors except for grave and substantial reasons advanced by victim and noted in the text of the agreement.

An alleged victim and any other witnesses will be encouraged to submit a written description of the incident or incidents. The report will be investigated even without a written complaint. The general counsel will attempt to identify and contact any other persons, in addition to the alleged victim, who may have relevant knowledge about the allegation.

The information contained in the incident report concerning sexual abuse of a minor by a clergyman, lay employee, volunteer or subcontractor may be reviewed by: The Bishop of the Diocese of Bridgeport, The Moderator of Curia, The Sexual Misconduct Review Board, The Chancellor, The Victims Assistance Coordinator, The General Counsel, The Director of Safe Environments, The Department of Children and Family Services, Civil Authorities, and other individuals deemed necessary.

The Sexual Misconduct Review Board will review the incident with an anonymous reference to the accused person and the victim.

The victim will be required to meet in person with General Counsel for a face to face interview. During the interview, specific questions regarding the details of the incident will be discussed. The support of the Victim Assistance Coordinator may be provided upon request during the time of the interview.

The victim is requested to submit a written description of the incident.

Please Print the Name ____________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________

Signature of Victim Assistance Coordinator ________________________________________ Date: _________________________.

 

For any questions or concerns, you may also contact

Office of Safe Environments, Director
Ms. Erin Neil, M.S.W.
(203) 416-1406
(203) 650-3265
Email

For more information on the Safe Environments Initiative, click here.