Child Abuse Prevention Month

“We do not want to forget. Remembering keeps us vigilant in our effort to reform. We should not easily move ahead with life unless we remember the hurt and the pain. It should give us resolve to do all that we can to prevent such abuse to occur and to heal the wounds of those who have been harmed.” -- Bishop Robert P. Deeley

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           

Efforts of the Diocese of Portland

Resources

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 Deeley 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].