Introduction to the Safe Environment Program
The Diocese of Venice in Florida is committed to the well being of those who are served by the Church.The People of God have a right to be able to trust those who minister to them in God's name. The violation of this trust through any sexual abuse of minors by clergy and lay diocesan personnel is a source of great pain for those involved and for the entire Church community.
The Diocese of Venice will make every reasonable effort to prevent sexual abuse and to respond promptly to all allegations of abuse where there is a reasonable belief that abuse has occurred. The diocese will comply with the obligations of civil and canon law. The diocese will promote healing where it is needed, provide education, training and guidance when it is appropriate, and endeavor to prevent any sexual abuse of minors with firm justice and mercy toward all. No person, including clergy, who has been determined to have sexually abused a minor, will be allowed to remain in active ministry. Such actions violate Christian principles and are outside the scope of duties and emoloyment of all diocesan personnel. The diocese will not tolerate such behavior. This policy applies to all diocesan agencies including religious communities and all parishes and parish activities within the diocese.
Care will always be taken to protect the rights of all parties involved, particularly those of the person claiming to have been sexually abused and the person against whom the charge has been made, When the accusation has been proven to be unfounded, every step possible will be taken to restore the good name of the person falsely accused.
The goals of the Safe Environment program:
- to safeguard children, young people, and the elderly of our Church from sexual abuse
- to protect church staff and volunteers from false allegations
- to raise awareness of sexual abuse