If you know of an incident of sexual abuse of a minor or inappropriate conduct by a priest or deacon, please report it to Ann Fox, Diocesan Assistance Coordinator, at one of the following:

• telephone:  1-877-270-8174 or 920-272-8174
• e-mail
• mail:  Catholic Diocese of Green Bay
  ATTN: Ann Fox
  P.O. Box 23825
  Green Bay, WI 54305-3825
  

If you prefer to report an incident to someone not employed by the Diocese, please call Bob Johnson, executive director of American Foundation of Counseling Services in Green Bay, a facilitator who can assist you in filing a report. Phone 920-437-8256.

We also encourage you to report the incident to local civil authorities.

Should I report an act of sexual misconduct by Diocesan personnel to the Diocese?

Yes. The Diocese of Green Bay takes very seriously any and all credible complaints of sexual misconduct by members of the clergy, religious and lay staff of the Diocese.
We encourage anyone with knowledge of an act of sexual misconduct to inform the Diocese immediately so that we can take appropriate action to protect others and provide support to victims of sexual abuse.

Does the Diocese provide assistance to sexual abuse victims?

The Diocese is concerned about the well-being of those who have suffered abuse, and has designated a Diocesan Assistance Coordinator to help anyone who reports that he or she has been abused.

Should I report the allegation to civil authorities?

Yes. The Diocese strongly encourages any individual with an allegation to contact the civil authorities in the county where the incident(s) occurred. Even though the Diocese is providing information concerning abuse allegations to the civil authorities, it is important that they hear directly from the individual making the allegation.

What is being done to prevent sexual misconduct in the Church?

Every effort is made to assure that all persons ministering in the Diocese are aware of and will abide by the policies prohibiting sexual harassment, exploitation or abuse, and of the procedures for dealing with incidents of sexual misconduct.

All employees of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay and its local representatives; all Priests, Deacons, and Seminarians; and any volunteer, age 18 and over, who have direct contact with children, youth, and vulnerable adults are required to attend a VIRTUS® Protecting God’s Children TM Adult Awareness Session and complete an approved criminal background check.

Conclusion

Sexual misconduct is complex as well as terribly harmful. Each instance of abuse has its own unique aspects that rule out a simple or single response, so special care is taken to meet the needs of each individual. We are committed to providing that individual, personalized response.

However, our experience over the past many years tells us it is possible for individuals and communities to heal from the effects of sexual misconduct. This is not easily or quickly accomplished. Effective counseling, support groups and spiritual direction are often required for this healing.

Three Important Things to Remember

1. You are not alone
2. It is never your fault
3. Healing is possible