Reporting Abuse

St Therese’s Parish and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne are committed to the protection of children and young people and the prevention of all forms of child abuse.

Victoria Police

If you suspect a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm or you witness an act of child abuse dial 000 and report the matter immediately to Victoria Police.

Alternatively, you can contact the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Teams (SOCITs) located across Victoria.  SOCITs provide a specialist response in relation to sexual offences and child abuse.

Telephone contact information is available from the Victoria Police website: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=36448

SANO Task Force investigates past abuse that has occurred in religious and non-government organisations.

Telephone: 1800 110 007

Email: sanotaskforce@police.vic.gov.au

Abuse allegation or complaint in relation to a priest or other member of the clergy, an employee, volunteer or a layperson

If you wish to make an allegation of abuse or complaint in relation to sexual, physical, spiritual and emotional abuse against a priest or other member of the clergy, an employee, volunteer or a layperson of the Melbourne Archdiocese then you can contact the Professional Standards Unit.
Telephone: (03) 9926 5630

Email: professional.standards@cam.org.au

All parishes, entities or agencies of the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne have a legal responsibility under the Reportable Conduct Scheme to report suspected child abuse or child-related misconduct of priests, clergy, employees and volunteers to the Commission for Children and Young People (CCYP).  All alleged misconduct or behaviour that places children at risk of harm will be taken seriously and will be independently investigated and/or referred to Victoria Police.  The PSU provide support and advice to parishes in relation to handling their legal responsibilities under the Reportable Conduct Scheme.

Email:  professional.standards@cam.org.au

Telephone:  9926 5630 (Monday to Friday)

The protection of children and young people within a family context

As adults we have a legal, moral and ethical responsibility to protect children from harm and report abuse in all contexts. You should contact Child Protection, if you have formed a reasonable belief that a child or young person has experienced, is experiencing, or is at risk of child abuse within their family. Please contact the Child Protection office in your region – if you are unsure which regional office to contact, please make a call to any of the regional telephones below as you will be directed to the appropriate region.

Northern metropolitan region 1300 664 977

Southern metropolitan region 1300 655 795

Eastern metropolitan region 1300 360 391

Western metropolitan region 1300 664 972

Pastoral Support

Spiritual support and guidance is available to individuals and at a parish level by contacting the Vicar General’s Office.

Telephone: 9926 5677