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