Church in Australia announces new national protocol for addressing child sexual abuse

By Vatican News staff writer

In a media release published on Thursday, the Catholic Bishops of Australia have announced the release of a new protocol aimed at providing "a framework for Catholic entities across Australia to respond consistently to people raising concerns or allegations of child sexual abuse".

Due to come into effect as of next week, the Bishops write that "the National Response Protocol, which was adopted by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference at its November 2020 plenary meeting, is the product of two years of work and widespread consultation within and beyond the Church".

Said consultation included engagements with victims and survivors, as well as their advocates. Archbishop Mark Coleridge, President of the Bishop's Conference said that “the Church continues to work hard to strengthen the safeguards that have been put in place in recent years". He continued, saying, “the adoption and implementation of the National Response Protocol is an important step forward, and we thank those who have brought this thorough process to completion.”

The media release goes on to note that various state, territory regulatory and legislative requirements were considered in preparing the National Response Protocol. Archbishop Coleridge noted that as well as outlining principles and processes for responding to concerns and allegations of abuse, whether historical or contemporary, the protocol also offers guidance on how to engage with those affected by abuse. “Drawing on wisdom from the Royal Commission, from governments and universities, and from the experience of the Church overseas, the new protocol offers a trauma-informed approach to supporting those who have been betrayed in Church settings... The protocol demands an approach from the Church that is compassionate and just. It also insists upon respect for each individual’s personal story and circumstances”, he said.

Phasing out of earlier protocols

The media release also informs that "the implementation of the National Response Protocol from February 1 will mean that Towards Healing and The Melbourne Response will be phased out". Archbishop Coleridge explained that “Pioneering in some ways when set up in the 1990s, the two earlier protocols have been much criticised, in large part because of inconsistent or incomplete application."

However, he continued, “One of the strengths of the new protocol is that it provides a single national framework, which will ensure a consistent approach to the handling of concerns and allegations.”

Finally, the media release explains that "Church entities that have matters already being managed under Towards Healing or The Melbourne Response can continue to use those processes until the matter is resolved. Towards Healing and The Melbourne Response continue to be valid until the end of 2021 while Church authorities implement the National Response Protocol locally. The National Response Protocol will be monitored regularly to allow for ongoing refinement and improvement. It will be sent to the Holy See for approval".

The National Response Protocol is available at: www.catholic.org.au/nationalresponseprotocol