OUR COMMITMENT

The Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta, including all ministry units within the Diocese, has zero tolerance for abuse.
All people, including children and vulnerable adults, have the right to be respected and valued and to feel emotionally, physically and spiritually safe at all times. We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, welcoming and positive environment for children and adults from all backgrounds.

We will:

  • Listen to anyone who raises concerns, take their concerns seriously, respond with respect and compassion and take appropriate action;
  • Report disclosures or suspicions of abuse according to our procedures and as required by law;
  • Ensure procedures are clear, appropriate and effective for responding to allegations of abuse;
  • Provide support to those involved and seek appropriate help for a just and fair resolution.

MAKING A NOTIFICATION

If you have experienced abuse or suspect abuse may be occurring in a church setting or by a member of the church, you should report this as soon as possible to the Director of Professional Standards on:

1800 135 246 or email professionalstandards@wangaratta-anglican.org.au

The Director of Professional Standards responds to all complaints of misconduct including sexual, spiritual or emotional abuse by clergy, lay leaders or other church members.
When calling the 1800 number you will be asked to provide your name and contact details so that the Director can follow up with you.

Alternatively you can write to:

Director of Professional Standards
Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta
PO Box 329
Canterbury VIC 3126

All information provided to the Director of Professional Standards will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

EMERGENCY SUPPORT CONTACT LINES

If you are in danger or have been harmed and need immediate help, call 000.

If you need help you can also call:

DIOCESAN SAFE CHURCH OFFICER

If you have any questions about our Safe Church policies and procedures, supporting resources or training, or would like assistance with the safety and risk management systems in your parish please contact the Diocesan Safe Church Officer by email to safechurch@wangaratta-anglican.org.au or call the Registry office on 03 5721 3484

PARISH SAFE CHURCH OFFICERS

Arrangements are underway to implement Safe Church Officer roles in parishes. These will be administrative roles with responsibility for supporting safe church systems locally and as a local point of contact regarding resources and processes. The Parish Safe Church Officers will work closely with the Diocesan Safe Church Officer. More information will be provided once these roles are in place across the Diocese. Until these roles are in place all queries regarding Safe Church systems should be directed to the Diocesan Safe Church Officer at safechurch@wangaratta-anglican.org.au.

DIOCESAN SAFE CHURCH COMMITTEE

Implementation and review of safe church systems within the Diocese of Wangaratta are supported by the Safe Church Committee. The committee comprises people from both clergy and laity, and from parishes across the Diocese as well as Diocesan staff. The Chair of the Safe Church Committee is Archdeacon Neil Hicks. He can be contacted by email at safechurch@wangaratta-anglican.org.au.

SAFE CHURCH AWARENESS WORKSHOPS

The Diocese is a member of the Safe Church Training Agreement (SCTA), an initiative of the National Council of Churches Australia. This is a multi-denominational program that provides training and support through member organisations. The Diocese started hosting training sessions in 2017 and will have sessions in various locations across the Diocese each year. All clergy and some church workers (depending on their role) are required to undertake an initial safe church workshop followed by a refresher course every three years.

To find out more about the Safe Church Awareness Workshops contact the Registry office on 03 5721 3484.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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