Virtus – Protecting God’s Children
The Diocese of El Paso requires Safe Environment training for diocesan personnel and all volunteers who work with minors, parents, children and youth.
The program for adults contains information describing appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, what abuse is, how to identify behaviors which may be used by those seeking to abuse, and possible signs of abuse. There is emphasis on the legal requirement to report suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. The program for youth and children is designed to help them understand what appropriate behavior and inappropriate behavior are. It also provides information on how to recognize common methods of luring minors into dangerous situations. There will be an emphasis on telling an appropriate adult if abuse or inappropriate behavior should occur.
Register for training at www.virtusonline.org.
Victims Assistance
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, or employee of the Church, please consider reporting the abuse to the Diocese. It is a first step in the healing process. We are here to help you.
A sacred relationship exists between the Catholic Church and all its members. It is a matter of very great concern when sexual abuse occurs in the context of that relationship.
If you are or have been a victim of sexual abuse by a cleric, religious, or lay employee of the Church, the Diocese of El Paso understands that you have been hurt by the experience as has any victim of sexual abuse, and that you may have also lost your trust and faith in the Church. Please consider reporting the abuse as a first step in the healing process.
The Diocese of El Paso has a process to address any sexual abuse which may have been committed by diocesan personnel. The Diocese is prepared to address the needs of the victim with compassion and care. Those individuals who will work with you are professionals trained in the treatment of victims.
If the abuse by Church personnel occurred outside the Diocese of El Paso, the Victim Assistance Coordinator can assist you by contacting the appropriate church officials.
Victims Assistance
Existe una relación sagrada entre la Iglesia Católica y todos sus miembros. Es un asunto de gran preocupación cuando ocurre un abuso sexual dentro de esa relación.
Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sido víctima de abuso sexual por un sacerdote, diácono, o empleado de la iglesia, por favor considere reportar el abuso a la Diócesis. Es un primer paso en el proceso de sanación. Estamos aquí para ayudarle. Si usted ha sido o es víctima de abuso sexual por un clérigo, religioso, o empleado laico de la iglesia Católica, la Diócesis de El Paso comprende que usted ha sufrido un daño por la experiencia como cualquier otra víctima de abuso sexual, y que también usted pueda haber perdido su confianza y fe en la Iglesia Católica. Por favor considere reportar el abuso como primer paso en el proceso de sanación.
La Diócesis tiene un proceso para enfrentar cualquier abuso sexual cometido por personal diocesano. La Diócesis está preparada para ayudar a la víctima con compasión y cuidado. Los individuos que trabajarán con usted son profesionales con entrenamiento en el tratamiento de víctimas del abuso.
Si el abuso por personal de la Iglesia Católica ocurrió fuera de la Diócesis de El Paso, la Coordinador de Auxilio a las Víctimas puede asistirle para comunicar con los oficiales apropiados de la Iglesia. Si el abuso por personal de la Iglesia Católica ocurrió fuera de la Diócesis de El Paso, la Coordinador de Auxilio a las Víctimas puede asistirle para comunicar con los oficiales apropiados de la Iglesia.
REPORT SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY CLERGY OR DIOCESAN PERSONNEL
To find the form to report abuse, click here.
Please submit the completed form to:
Victims Assistance Coordinator
Susan Martinez, LCSW
915-872-8465 smartinez@elpasodiocese.org