Archdiocese of Los Angeles Commemorates Child Abuse Prevention during month of April
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is commemorating National Child Abuse Prevention Month this April by reaffirming the Archdiocese’s commitment to protect our children and young people from sexual abuse.
Every April, the Office of Safeguard the Children creates a special Child Abuse Prevention Month Resource Booklet that highlights the abuse prevention efforts of the Archdiocese. The Office also publishes the “Working Together to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse” brochure, which provides an up-to-date listing of safe environment policies, programs, resources, contact numbers and other important information about how the Archdiocese is working to prevent child sexual abuse. Copies of the brochures are available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Korean in parish vestibules or online.
“This booklet includes activities, posters, and stickers for children and young people, as well as articles designed for parents and guardians to help them create a safe environment. It also features prayers, blessings, and petitions for the month,” said Joan Vienna, Director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Safeguard the Children. “Additionally, the booklet showcases how parishes and schools throughout the Archdiocese are actively promoting initiatives to prevent child abuse.”
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Santa Barbara is being recognized by the Board of Supervisors of Santa Barbara County through a resolution highlighting the parish’s dedication to protecting children through education, awareness, and prevention efforts and for ensuring the safety of all Santa Barbara County’s children. The parish will be hosting workshops throughout the month and lighting the church blue on weekends in commemoration of Abuse Prevention Month.
The Office of Safeguard the Children has spearheaded the effort to train clergy, educators, volunteers, parents, and guardians in preventing child sexual abuse through its VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children Adult Awareness Program. More than 470,000 adults throughout the Archdiocese have participated in the program since its inception in 2002. In addition, the “Empowering God’s Children and Young People Safety Program” trains more than 165,000 children and young people annually with the necessary knowledge and tools to empower themselves and others to stay safe from potential harm.
Along with Safeguard the Children’s Office, the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry offers supports and accompanies survivor-victims and their families in their healing journey.
“Victims Assistance Ministry continues to be a ministry of presence and accompaniment to those harmed by the sexual misconduct of someone in our church. We are called to respond with compassion, ensure the appropriate civil authorities are notified of the misconduct reported to us in a timely manner, and coordinate healing resources,” said Dr. Heather Banis, Coordinator of the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry. “We strive continuously to more fully understand the needs and hopes of survivor-victim so as to support their healing and foster renewal in the Church.”
The Archdiocese has completed the establishment of a total of five Gardens of Healing in each of the pastoral regions of the Archdiocese dedicated to those harmed by sexual abuse in their family, church or community. Offering a sacred space for all those impacted by abuse to seek comfort and solace, the gardens are located at St. Camillus Pastoral Center in Los Angeles (San Gabriel Pastoral Region), Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Ventura (Santa Barbara Pastoral Region), St. Francis de Sales Parish, Sherman Oaks (San Fernando Pastoral Region), and St. Bernadette Parish, Los Angeles (Our Lady of Los Angels Pastoral Region).
During the month of April each of the Garden of Healing parishes will dedicate a special Mass honoring those who have been harmed by sexual abuse.
The Archdiocese has also created updated resources for parishes and schools to highlight the abuse prevention efforts and policies for their local communities.
For more information about April, Child Abuse Prevention Month and the Archdiocese’s Office of Safeguard the Children, visit https://lacatholics.org/child-abuse-prevention-month/. For information on the Victims Assistance Ministry Office, visit https://lacatholics.org/departments-ministries/protecting-children/.
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