New Way for Victims to Report Sex Abuse by Clergy
The news and public outcry about the allegations that more than a thousand children were sexually abused by clergy in Pennsylvania has led to more victims and survivors wanting to come forward with their accounts. Today, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) launched an online complaint form for victims to report their abuse.
If you are a victim of child sexual abuse by clergy or have knowledge of such abuse, report it to OAG at www.ReportClergyAbusetoDCOAG.com
OAG will review all allegations as part of its ongoing investigation into whether the Archdiocese of Washington covered up allegations of sexual abuse of minors. Where appropriate, OAG will also refer information to the proper criminal authorities.
Adults Are Required to Report Suspected Child Abuse Immediately
Under D.C. law, any adult who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe that a child under 16 is a victim of sexual abuse must immediately report it to the police (911) or the District’s Child and Family Services Agency (202-671-SAFE).
For certain people who regularly work with children – including teachers, school officials, health care workers, and daycare workers – D.C. law requires you to be a “mandated reporter” for suspected child abuse or neglect of ANY KIND and for certain other injuries to children under the age of 18.
OAG has the authority to bring charges leading to fines and/or jail time against teachers, doctors, and other people who are required to report suspected child abuse but fail to do so.
More information about the District’s mandated reporting requirements for child abuse at https://oag.dc.gov/public-safety/reporting-child-abuse-what-know.
How to Report Sex Abuse by Clergy to the U.S. Attorney’s Office
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USADC) has also launched a hotline and email address for those survivors and other victims to report their abuse: Call 202-252-7008 or email USADC.ReportClergyAbuse@usdoj.gov.