Responding to complaints of abuse

If a person tells you about abuse you should:

* listen to their story
* comfort them if they are distressed
* let them know you’re glad they told you and that they did the right thing
* let them know you are going to get help about what to do next and that you will get back to them

Seek professional assistance as soon as possible or contact a help line:
• In NSW you should call the abuse report line on 1800 774 945 or e mail the .
• Help line information for other places in the Australian Church is available in the links section.
- Helpline information for government and other non-church organisations is also available in the links section

The steps that parishes should take in response to complaints of child abuse are explained in the checklist for responding to child abuse allegations.

Additional responsibilities are set out in the Safe Ministry Booklet, in particular the section on duties of the Safe Ministry Representative. 

Parishes may also have to take action to monitor and supervise persons who are known sexual and child abuse offenders or persons of suspicion and who want to be members of a congregation or attend any church activity. Detailed guidelines are set out in the Guidelines for Parishes