The Diocese of Oakland announces our affiliation with VIRTUS; an internationally known and well respected best practices platform for Safe Environment training. This training is available online. It is a comprehensive and multi-dimensional training that specializes in assisting churches and religious organizations in creating safe environments for children. Its mainstay course, Protecting God's Children assists the church in its efforts to recognize and stop sexual abuse.
As a community of faith, we believe that the prevention of child sexual abuse begins with each person. Increased awareness and a willingness to take action are steps for every person to take to eradicate abuse in our society, in the community, in the neighborhood, and in the family.
All those who minister (volunteers, employees and clergy) in the Diocese of Oakland are to be educated about the nature of child sexual abuse, how it is perpetrated, how to report it and strategies for prevention. Training is mandatory for all who minister, first before starting work or volunteering and then every 3 years thereafter.
Sr. Dorothy Peterson, FCJ is the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of Oakland. She is available to help anyone who has been abused or victimized by someone representing the Catholic Church. She will listen to your needs and support you. We encourage anyone who is seeking help to please come forward and speak out.
She is here to help and to assist with healing. There is hope.
To learn more about the Diocese of Oakland's pledge to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults, please visit www.oakdiocese.org/safe-environment.