LA Archdiocese to recognize those commited to abuse prevention this weekend on ‘Stand Up Sunday’

Parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will recognize the World Day of Prevention of and Healing from Child Exploitation, Abuse and Violence this weekend, November 15-16, with a new initiative called Stand Up Sunday organized by the Archdiocese’s Office of Victims Assistance Ministry.

For Stand Up Sunday, parishes will dedicate a Mass and offer prayers and blessings to recognize those who have completed the VIRTUS® Sexual Abuse Prevention Training, background checks and fingerprinting through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for their commitment to the Church’s efforts to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

“For the first time, we are recognizing Stand Up Sunday in solidarity with those who have been harmed, and as a visible demonstration of our ongoing commitment to the prevention of child sexual abuse,” said Dr. Heather Banis, Coordinator of the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry for the Archdiocese. “We are grateful to all those in our communities who have completed our sexual abuse prevention training, background checks and fingerprinting, for their collaboration, support and dedication to ensuring that our parishes, schools and ministries are safe places for all.”

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 support and accompanies survivor-victims and their families in their healing journey.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is committed to supporting survivor-victims of abuse and ensuring that parishes, schools and ministries are safe places for everyone in our community. For more information on the abuse prevention and protection efforts of the Archdiocese, visit: https://lacatholics.org/protect/.

####