For Mandatory Reporters

Mandatory reporters are those who have regular contact with vulnerable people such as children, disabled persons, and senior citizens, and are therefore legally required to ensure a report is made when abuse is observed or suspected. Specific details vary across jurisdictions. Go here to look up mandatory reporting laws in your state.

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If you have a suspicion that a child is being abused, or if a child has disclosed abuse, you are responsible for reporting it to the authorities. Multiple options are available to report incidences of sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult.

Reporting to civil authorities

To file a report with the police, call 911. You may also call a non-emergency number of the jurisdiction in which the abuse occurred.

Reporting to the Church

To report ongoing abuse by clergy, report the abuse first to civil authorities. To report the abuse to the Church, contact the coordinator in the diocese/eparchy in which the abuse is taking place.

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These individuals are available to assist you in making a formal complaint of abuse to the diocese/eparchy, in arranging a personal meeting with the bishop or his representative, and for obtaining support for your specific needs. The Church is required to report all abuse to civil authorities.

You can also report the abuse to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The number for the Secretariat for Child and Youth Protection is 202-541-5413.