Protecting Children

The Diocese of Grand Rapids is committed to protecting children and adults from harm. Our safe environment program aims to prevent sexual abuse within our community and to help heal the wounds of past victims. Our work to protect young people and vulnerable adults is directed by the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People (en Español), a comprehensive set of procedures established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) in June 2002 and revised in 2005, 2011 and 2018.

To report abuse:

Any person who suspects the sexual abuse of a minor by a member of the clergy or by any person acting in the name of the Catholic Church is urged to make a formal complaint to the Michigan Attorney General’s Hotline at 844-324-3374.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, either as a child or an adult, by someone representing the Catholic Church, we urge you to come forward to seek help. A report can be made regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. Every diocese has a victim assistance coordinator who is available to help survivors make a formal complaint and obtain support:

To contact the victim assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Grand Rapids:

Call: 616-840-2079, email: [email protected]
or write to:
Diocese of Grand Rapids – Cathedral Square Center
Attn: Victim Assistance Coordinator
360 Division Ave. S.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Additional resources

Reporting Abuse
Safe Environment Training
Compliance and Audits