Child abuse is a criminal offence and the police are the appropriate authority to handle criminal investigations.
Sexual abuse has no place in the Church. The law requires serious crimes to be reported to the police and the practice of the Diocese is to report all allegations of sexual abuse to the police.
Police
If you have a complaint you can contact the NSW Police Child Protection and Sex Crimes Squad through your local police station or Crimestoppers NSW on 1800 333 000
For all urgent matters regarding a child at imminent risk of significant harm please phone the Child Protection Helpline on 132 111 or 000.
Towards Healing
This is the national process established by Australian bishops and religious orders which the Diocese follows in responding to complaints of sexual abuse. It has undergone two independent reviews. Towards Healing requires allegations of criminal conduct to be reported to police and other authorities. Towards Healing contact 1300 36 99 77.
Professional Standards Office NSW/ACT
A National Committee for Professional Standards was established by the Catholic bishops and leaders of religious institutes to oversee the development of policy, principles and procedures in responding to Church-related abuse complaints. Each state has a Director of Professional Standards to advise and assist in matters concerning professional standards and to appoint suitable persons to act as contact persons, support persons, assessors, facilitators and reviewers of the process. The number for Professional Standards Office NSW/ACT is 9287 1542 or pso@cathprofstandards.com
Diocesan contact person
Mr Hugo Ditroia
Phone: (02) 68539340
Email: safeguarding@wf.catholic.org.au