A Safe Environment
My Dear Sisters and Brothers:
In response to the terrible scandals of sexual and physical abuse
committed by clergy and church employees over the last decades,
my brother bishops and I have implemented the Charter for the
Protection of Children and Young People (USCCB, 2003). The
Charter represents in a real way, our commitment “with God’s help
and in full collaboration with our people, to continue to work to restore
the bonds of trust that unite us.”
As the Charter further states, “words alone cannot accomplish this
goal. It will begin with the actions we take …in our dioceses”. To this
end, the Archdiocese of Anchorage continues to be committed to the
implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and
Young People. This section of our website therefore, is dedicated to
the promotion of a safe environment where we are community and
family for one another.
Sincerely yours in Christ and Mary,
Roger L. Schwietz, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Anchorage
If you have any questions or concerns regarding Safe Environment issues in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, please contact:
Sr. Jacqueline Stoll, OP
D
irector of Safe Environment Program
907-297-7736 or jstoll@caa-ak.org
Promise To Protect
In response to the crisis of the sexual abuse of children by clergy in the Catholic Church, a comprehensive plan to address allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults by Catholic clergy, religious or other Archdiocesan employees has been adopted by the Archdiocese of Anchorage and includes;
- Creating a safe environment for children, young people and vulnerable adults
- Healing and reconciliation for victims and survivors
- Prompt and effective response to allegations of abuse
- Disciplining of offenders
- Cooperation with civil authorities
A vulnerable adult is anyone age 18 or older who has a physical or mental impairment or condition that prevents them from protecting themselves or from seeking help.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Any sexual contact between an adult and a minor is considered sexual assault.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact gained through force, threats, trickery, manipulation, or coercion.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: Verbal assaults such as whistles, jokes, comments or insults; Visual assaults such as exposing oneself to another or exposing someone else to nude or pornographic material against their wishes or to a minor.
Everyone has the right to say “No” at any time!
If you or a member of your family has been physically or sexually abused by an Archdiocesan employee or volunteer, it is vitally important that you report the abuse to the appropriate authorities. Click here for information on how to report abuse.
