Contact the Safeguard the Children committee
Jun Ballada: (213) 236-4829
Rocio R. Gonzalez: (323) 256-6242
Archdiocese of Los Angeles
Resources
2018 update to the "Report to the People of God"
Safeguard the Children, and VIRTUS training
VIRTUS Protecting God's Children training
in the San Fernando Pastoral Region
Safeguard the Children
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles Office of Safeguard the Children provides ongoing support, education, training and resources to help prevent child sexual abuse and to address children's safety in our parishes, schools, homes and communities.
If you believe that you, or someone you know, is a victim of sexual abuse by a church employee or volunteer, contact the Archdiocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator at (213) 637-7650 for help and support.
About Safeguard the Children
Safeguard the Children is a comprehensive program designed to promote a safe environment for children, youth and vulnerable adults and prevent child sexual abuse. The program was initiated in all dioceses in the United States at the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
There is a Safeguard the Children Committee in each parish which helps to implement the objectives of the USCCB's Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, published in 2002.
To make effective the goals of a safe environment within the church for children and young people and prevent abuse of minors, the members of the USCCB have outlined in this charter a series of practical and pastoral steps.
VIRTUS Protecting God's Children Adult Awareness sessions
VIRTUS Protecting God's Children Adult Awareness sessions are a three-hour training that helps clergy, staff, volunteers and parents to understand the facts and myths about child sexual abuse; how perpetrators operate; and how caring adults can take five important steps to keep children safe.
The parent session also stresses monitoring of computers, cell phones and other technology that perpetrators use to gain access to children and young people.
VIRTUS training sessions for St. Bernard parishioners are promoted and organized by St. Bernard's Safeguard the Children ministry.
VIRTUS sessions | Sesiones de classes VIRTUS
Sesión de VIRTUS en español
To be announced.
VIRTUS session in English
Se anunciará
Child abuse statistics
1. One out of every 3 girls, and 1 out of every 5 boys, will be sexually abused before they are 18 years old.
2. Ninety percent of child sexual abuse victims know the perpetrator. Sixty-eight percent are abused by a family member.
3. In 2012, 82 percent of perpetrators were between the ages of 18 to 44, 40 percent of which were between the ages of 25 to 34.
4. Eighty percent of children who are abused will develop a psychiatric disorder.
5. Thirty-five percent of children who are abused will become perpetrators themselves.
6. Twelve percent of offenders are women.