Child Abuse Prevention Month

Each April, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) observes Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread awareness about the importance of protecting children and young people and to make our communities aware of child sexual abuse and the steps to prevent it. Together, we can make a promise to protect and a pledge to heal.

The USCCB and the Diocese of Portland have provided a variety of resources for use by individuals, families, and parishes. The materials can be found below.

Pray for All Those Affected           

• A Holy Hour for Healing: For a Holier Episcopate, a Holier Priesthood, A Holier Church
   
• Prayer for Victims of Abuse (English and Spanish)
   
• Bible Verses
   

Efforts of the Diocese of Portland

• Learn more about recognizing and preventing abuse through the Diocese of Portland's Safe Environment Training Program.
   
• Read about the diocese's policy on counseling assistance.
   
• Learn about the process of filing a sexual abuse report.
   
• An independent, on-site audit of safe environment procedures found the diocese in full compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People.
   
• Day of Prayer and Penance  held in March in the Diocese of Portland
   
• Ten Points to Create Safe Environments

Resources

• Anti-Trafficking Program - information from Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) on Human Trafficking
   
• Letter to Dioceses - from MRS containing information on the intersection of child abuse and human trafficking
   
• MRS Brochure - on Human Trafficking
   
• Scriptural Sources for Renewal by Bishop Robert Barron
   
• Responding to the Abuse Crisis as Committed Disciples by Sr. Sara Butler
   
• Theological Lessons of the Abuse Crisis by Sr. Mary Timothy Prokes

Participate with the USCCB

• Watch a series of brief videos to learn the ways you can make the Church a safe place for children and young people.
   
• Access a resource center which offers a variety of information and material regarding what is being done to prevent abuse and bring healing to victim/survivors.

Bishop Ruggieri encourages anyone who may have information about any case of sexual abuse of a minor by a church representative to contact civil authorities and Michael Magalski, director of the Office of Professional Responsibility for the Diocese of Portland, at 207-321-7836 or [email protected].