Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,
As we become more and more aware of the uncomfortable topic of sexual abuse in our world, not just by clergy, I wanted to share with you some of the things the diocese is doing to protect your child or children.
The Diocese of Lafayette is committed to insuring a safe environment for all children against sexual abuse. Bishop Deshotel is once again urging anyone with knowledge of sex abuse of a minor to come forward to authorities and to the Diocese of Lafayette.”
All clergy, lay employees, and volunteers, whose work/ministry involves contact with children, shall undergo a criminal background check. Also, there shall be documentation of reference checks for all new employees and all volunteers.
All clergy, lay employees, and volunteers, whose work/ministry involves contact with children, shall undergo initial education/training in the diocesan safe environment program. In addition, each calendar year, they will be required to attend a continuing education in-service on child abuse-related issues.
All children enrolled in a diocesan religious education program whether through the church parish or a catholic school, shall participate in an age-appropriate, grade-level safe environment awareness program as part of the curriculum.
Statistics concerning Sexual Abuse*
• Experts estimate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthday.
• 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited while on the internet.
• Most child victims never report the abuse.
• 30-40% of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members.
• More than 90% of children who are sexually abused know their abusers. This means fewer than 10% of abusers are strangers.
• More than 80% of sexual abuse cases occur in one-adult/one-child situations.
• People who abuse children look and act just like everyone else. In fact, they often go out of their way to appear trustworthy to gain access to children.
* This info comes from the “Darkness to light, Stewards of Children Program”.
Prayers and Blessings to each of you,
Fr. David
