Sexual Abuse and Safeguard Reporting
SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF PEACE
STATEMENT REGARDING SEXUAL ABUSE OF
MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
As Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, “we commit ourselves to promote peace in family life, in the church, and in society. We strive to respect the dignity of all persons, to value the gifts of creation, and to confront oppressive situations. We respond to God’s people in need and promote social justice as a way to peace,” (Constitutions 11). We recognize the importance of the trust placed in us as women of peace and justice, so too do we acknowledge the frailty of human nature and the necessity to be vigilant against all misuse of power or influence in our relationships. Acknowledging the potential for harm when sisters violate the trust of their relationships, it is from these principles, attitudes and beliefs that we formulate this statement regarding sexual abuse. This statement focuses on abuse of minors and other vulnerable individuals because of their intrinsically limited power.
Essential for an appropriate response by our Congregation to an incident of sexual abuse are the characteristics of candor, compassion, and responsibility. Candor and receptivity will characterize our conversations at all times. Compassion toward the victims of sexual abuse will be demonstrated by showing that the Congregation does care and will do everything reasonably possible to respond to the situation. We will abide by civil and religious mandates regarding the need to report and cooperate in any investigation.
To report any allegation of abuse please contact:
Sr. Margie Fort, CSJP at 201-608-5401
Sisters of St Joseph of Peace Safeguarding Policy
Overview: The Sisters of St Joseph of Peace UK Region is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults. For the Sisters of St Joseph of Peace this commitment directly relates to the fact that we are all made in the image of God and the Church's common belief in the preciousness, dignity and uniqueness of every human life. We start from the principle that each person has a right to expect the highest level of protection, love, encouragement, and respect. Following on from the safeguarding reviews in 2020 we are committed to the One Church Approach to safeguarding by implementing the changes needed and ensuring we respond to victim/survivors promptly and compassionately.
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace CIO is a member of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS).
The complete text of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace safeguarding policy is available from the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Contact Details for Designated Safeguarding Leads
Anyone contacting the Designated Safeguarding Leads needs to know that they will be listened to promptly, attentively, and sympathetically.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace UK region
Foxhall Lodge, Foxhall Road, Nottingham, NG7 6LH, England
Designated Safeguarding Lead – Sister Maureen Brennan, CSJP
Tel: 01664 431 736
Email: maureenbrennan@csjp.org
Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) is the regulatory body for Safeguarding in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace UK region is a member of the CSSA.
www.catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
Advice line: 0207 901 1902
Email: admin@catholicsafeguarding.org.uk
Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLSS) is the Service Provider for advice, training, case management, DBS checks and other safeguarding services for Religious Groups in the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace UK region is a member of the RLSS
www.religioussafeguarding.org
Advice line: 01515 562311
Email: Admin@religioussafeguarding.org