To Protect. Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment STOP THE HURT. BEGIN THE HEALING! APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH.

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Gwendolyn Harrington
5 years ago
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Special points of interest: In this issue: Child Abuse Bulletin Announcements Rules for Safety Bookmark News from the Director Coordinator of the Quarter Award When the Congregation 2 3 Rules for

APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.

1 Special points of interest: In this issue: Child Abuse Bulletin Announcements Rules for Safety Bookmark News from the Director Coordinator of the Quarter Award When the Congregation 2 3 Rules for Safety 4 Scheduled Training Dates 5 April 2012 Volume 7, Issue 1 To Protect Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment STOP THE HURT. BEGIN THE HEALING! APRIL IS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month. The Archdiocese of San Antonio is dedicated to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect by encouraging individuals and all our communities to support children and families. National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month is an opportunity for communities across the country to keep children safe, provide the support families need to stay together, and raise children and youth to be happy, secure, and stable adults. All of us share a responsibility to protect our children. Child abuse does not have to happen. Below are a few tips for adults to use to help reduce the risk of abuse and protect our children. 1. Learn the facts about child abuse and understand the risks. 2. Minimize the opportunity for one-adult/ one-child situations. 3. Talk about appropriate contact with your children. 4. Stay Alert and look for emotional and behavioral changes in a child. 5. Make a plan and learn who to call and where to go if you suspect abuse. 6. Act on suspicions and don t be a silent bystander. 7. Get involved and lend your support to organizations that fight the tragedy of child abuse. During the month of April, the Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment asks that you renew a commitment to prevent child abuse STAND UP! For Children

The phenomenal success of the 2011 OVASE education and training year is but a reflection of the

Therefore, the Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment is honored to recognize John Ruiz of

His outstanding efforts as Director of Religious Education and Safe Environment Coordinator are

OVASE appreciates your gift of time, energy and enthusiastic support.

It is volunteers like you that remind us all that it is God that we are working for, and all glory and

OVASE would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt Thank You!

States of Catholic Bishops, can be customized and added to local parishes bulletins.

Did You Know? Child Abuse Prevention Month April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month.

There is no better time than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God-our

2 The phenomenal success of the 2011 OVASE education and training year is but a reflection of the ever-increasing dedication and enthusiasm our volunteers display. Therefore, the Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment is honored to recognize John Ruiz of Sacred Heart of Jesus in Von Ormy, Texas. His outstanding efforts as Director of Religious Education and Safe Environment Coordinator are changing the lives of youth in our community. OVASE appreciates your gift of time, energy and enthusiastic support. At times it may seem that much of the work is behind the scenes, and no one really cares. It is volunteers like you that remind us all that it is God that we are working for, and all glory and honor goes towards servicing Him. Your services has had a tremendous impact on the parish community. OVASE would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt Thank You! The bulletin announcements provided by the Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection of the United States of Catholic Bishops, can be customized and added to local parishes bulletins. Replace text highlighted in yellow with contact information for your Archdiocese and local municipality. Did You Know? Child Abuse Prevention Month April is national Child Abuse Prevention Month. It is most appropriate that Child Abuse Prevention Month is held during the Easter season. There is no better time than Easter to celebrate the protection of our most valuable gift from God-our children. For information on how you can become more informed and involved in keeping our children safe, please call: Download this bulletin along with many more at Show support and share awareness by STANDING UP FOR CHILDREN! Please place your order from OVASE for one free promotional item for each child at your parish or school.

3 When the Congregation Becomes a Victim The pain, anger and shame of victimization leave wounds on the congregation which can fester and become increasingly powerful influences that can lead to divide and alienate its members. Most importantly, the spiritual life of a parish can be seriously jeopardized by the sexual misconduct of one of its clergy. For members of the parish who have past histories of abuse in their lives, the effects of this victimization may be even more intense. Providing a healing mass can begin the process of recovery for the parish. The environment and music can set a place of meditation and an atmosphere in which the conflicted congregation can unite its suffering with all who suffer. The overall theme focuses on healing, faith, comfort, courage, hope and faithfulness of God. The repercussions of clergy sexual misconduct may continue to do damage to a church community even after the civil/criminal legalities of the situation have been decided. Spiritual healing must be a priority for those working with parishes that are dealing with the violation of trust by one who has abused the power of sacred ministry takes place. Child Safe was created to reduce the trauma that a child abuse investigation can pose for a child who has been victimized by sexual abuse. Before, Child Safe came into being, children frequently endured stressful examinations and numerous interviews by various agencies, often in cold, sterile facilities. Today Child Safe delivers a highly effective alternative, bringing multiple agencies together in a single, safe and comforting environment for children in crisis. Child Safe enables medical, mental health, investigative and legal professionals to work under one roof to provide less traumatic investigation and to determine whether child abuse has occurred. For an abused child, adjusting to life after abuse is difficult. The mission of Child Safe is to restore dignity, hope and trust to children traumatized by sexual abuse. This children s advocacy center, provides an array of child-focused services for children from 0 to 18 years of age that include the following: medical exams, assessment services, multidisciplinary team, case coordination, child and family advocates, counseling and therapy, and child abuse resource enhancements. For more information or to seek services please call, Child

5 4th St. Paul Community Center-Annex 6pm-7pm Safe Environment Training 18th St. Paul Community Center-Annex 6pm-7pm Safe Environment Training 2nd St. Paul Community Center-Annex 6pm-7pm Safe Environment Training 16th St. Paul Community Center-Annex 6-7pm Safe Environment Training 12th St. Paul Community Center-Annex 9:30am-4pm Coordinator Training THE DIRECTOR S CUT Once again we are in the Easter season and Child Abuse Prevention Month. It s incredible that these two important events fall at the same time. This time of renewal gives us an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifice that our Savior made and the strength of his rebirth. Yet, during this happy time we also have to reflect on the children that have sadly paid a price due to abuse and neglect. This renewal of faith and spirit is also a time for us to continue our fight against child abuse. Use this month to get the word out on abuse. Take advantage of the resources we have available. We have posters for your parish/school and we have other items to give to the children and youth. Take time to look at this website from the USCCB: will use these funds to enhance our resources to train adults and children on abuse prevention. So give us a call to find out what new items we have for your parish or school. If you know of any other materials you need, please let us know. Remember to get in your reports prior to July The Archdiocese of San Antonio continues to grow and flourish because of your work in this ministry. We are all working towards a goal where everyone is safe from harm. Thank you, -Steve Martinez Look through those resources and add a few lines to your parish bulletin or your school newsletter. Make a handout to parents. Be Active!!! This is your month to shine. If you need help, or suggestions do not be hesitant to call or . We are very proud to announce that we just received $35,000 from the Archbishop s Appeal. We

6 Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment St. Paul Community Center 1201 Donaldson San Antonio, TX Tel: or Fax:

To Protect. Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment. December Volume 9, Issue 3

To Protect. Office of Victim Assistance & Safe Environment. December Volume 9, Issue 3 Special points of interest: In this issue: Ernesto Castillo- Coordinator of the Year Bill Cosby Allegations of Sexually Assaulting 17 Women Gets Public Talking News from the Director Thanks Coordinators