How to Report Sexual Abuse

Allegations Against Individuals of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

Anyone who has reason to believe or might suspect that a child has been abused or is being abused must report their suspicions to civil authorities. All allegations of abuse by clergy, employees or volunteers of the Diocese of Santa Rosa that involves minors, should also be reported to the diocese:

Office for Child and Youth Protection
Julie Sparacio, director
707.566.3308
[email protected]
Every allegation will be treated seriously and immediate steps will be taken to protect the alleged victim(s) and a report will be made to civil authorities. These actions will be taken discretely to protect the confidentiality and the rights of both the victim and the alleged abuser. State law requires people in certain positions to make Suspected Child Abuse reports to civil authorities. These people are referred to as “Mandatory Reporters.” All other adults, called “Ethical Reporters”, should also report suspected abuse.

Reporting Allegations Against Bishops

The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service has been established and was activated in March 2020 to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by Bishops, and to relay those reports to proper Church authorities for investigation. Where a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential. Reporting may be made at ReportBishopAbuse.org or 800-276-1562

Instructions for reporting

Cases of alleged abuse in which the abuser and the victim are of the same household are to be reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) while cases in which the alleged victim and the accused do not share a household should be reported to law enforcement authorities (sheriff department or local police).