Safe Environment

The Catholic Church in Ottawa-Cornwall is made up of people who care deeply for the
well-being of all its members and of those to whom they minister. Over the past decades,
we have become more aware of the possibility of harm being done to those very people
who stand most in need of our care and compassion. We hear Christ's words: "Whatsoever
you do to the least of mine, you do to me." We respond to these words with a renewed
commitment to ensuring that our parish communities will be known for their care of the
vulnerable, their safety and their integrity.

It is in this spirit that the Archdiocese has developed a set of guidelines:

• A. Managing Allegations of Sexual Abuse and of Sexual Assault
• B. Care of Victims

Click here to download the policy - Protocol and Procedures for Cases of Alleged Abuse and Misconduct by Clergy

The Archbishop’s office is directly responsible for the implementation of these guidelines. The
Archbishop will ensure that these guidelines are well known throughout the diocese and are
continually kept in mind by the parishes, movements and individuals that make up the
diocese. Each year, he will gather his staff to develop a plan for the pastoral year to ensure
the continued formation necessary in this regard. 

• Click here to access the three step EPIC online process.
• Click here for a list of frequently asked questions.