Safe Environment

Safe Environment is about protecting our children,
God’s children, and all individuals at risk.
 

 Diocese of Lansing Office of Child and Youth Protection

Sexual misconduct by clergy, Church personnel, Church leaders and volunteers is contrary to Christian morals, doctrine and Canon Law. It is never acceptable. We recognize that sexual misconduct has devastating consequences for the victims and their families, for the Church community, and for the transgressor. If you know of an incident of sexual abuse of a person who is under the age of 18 by a priest, deacon, employee or volunteer, please immediately call the authorities and then the Diocese of Lansing.

The Diocese of Lansing employs a Victim Assistance Coordinator to provide support and assistance to individuals who have been abused by clergy.  The Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator is
Lisa Veenstra, LMSW.  Lisa can be contacted toll-free at 888-308-6252 or vac@dioceseoflansing.org.

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St. Maria Goretti,
Patron Saint of both the absued and those guilty of abuse,
Pray for Us.

 

Additional resources

VIRTUS Resources 
The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.  This is also where adults can register to attend Virtus training.

USCCB -  Charter for the Protection of Children & Young People 
The website for Child and Youth Protection of the USCCB has FAQs, reports, studies and resources.

Anti-Trafficking International and  Just Ask Prevention have merged! Visit preventht.org.
We are a team of people dedicated to defeating the scourge of human trafficking through uniquely targeted programs. Each of  ATI’s initiatives equips you in the fight against human trafficking  by providing focused resources developed by survivors as well as experts with firsthand experience. We serve youth, parents, and those on the frontlines of combatting human trafficking. Whether airline employees, medical professionals, teachers, social workers, law enforcement, or businesses,  ATI stops trafficking before it starts  by partnering with you at the community-level to eliminate the threat.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
The NCMEC website provides resources for all aspects of child protection.

Prevent Child Abuse America
This organization’s sole mission is “to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children” by doing research and offering tools and resources.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center serves as the nation’s principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence. It provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.