Safe Environment Program Office (Diocese of St. Petersburg) at 6363 9th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 US - How to File an Abuse Complaint

The Diocese of St. Petersburg remains committed to the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. All employees, persons serving in ministry, and contractor/vendors who are entrusted with the care, responsibility, or supervision of children, youth, and, or vulnerable adults are required to comply with fingerprint policy for background screening.

Further, the Diocese has established safe environment training programs for employees, volunteers and contractor/vendors serving in or servicing the parish and school communities.  

IMPORTANT:
Anyone who has been harmed by someone serving in ministry or knows or has reasonable suspicion that a child is being abused MUST REPORT the abuse to law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 800-962-2873.  After the report has been made to the authorities a report may be made to the diocesan Victim Assistance Minister at 1-866-407-4505 where 
pastoral care and counseling is available.

HOW TO MAKE AN ABUSE COMPLAINT

If the abuse is recent, first call law enforcement or the Florida Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873

To report sexual abuse in the past from Church Personnel (clergy, a church employee or volunteer) or a contractor/vendor or if you are in need of assistance with a current incident, Call the Victim Assistance Minister, Marti Zeitz.  She can be reached by phone at 1-866-407-4505 or by e-mail at MZeitz@ccdosp.org.

OR 

You can write to:   Bishop Robert N. Lynch

                             P.O. Box 40200

                             St. Petersburg, FL  33743

       (Mark “CONFIDENTIAL-- FOR THE BISHOP ONLY” on the envelope)

 HOW WE CAN HELP

If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact Marti Zeitz at 1-866-407-4505.

If the abuse occurred outside the Diocese of St. Petersburg and you now reside with the Diocese, the Office of Victim Assistance will help you bring your concerns to church officials where the abuse occurred.

We will help you obtain support by providing:

• Assistance and accompaniment through the reporting process
• Information about counseling and or individual therapy
• Information to help you heal spiritually through a spiritual companion or a healing group

We are open to and respect your complaint.  It is in a spirit of justice and compassion that we respond to your allegation.  We wish to help you have a voice.  We want to help you heal.  

We recognize that bringing a sexual misconduct complaint to the Diocese can be a frightening consideration.  That is why we have contracted with Catholic Charities, Inc to provide Victim Assistance.  We want to make this process as safe as possible and will proceed at the pace that you set, respecting your need for healing.  The Victim Assistance Minister will accompany you through any or all of the stages of the process according to your wishes. 

We are sorry for the pain you have experienced. 

Office of Victim Assistance