VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

How to bring a complaint.
Diocesan Policy
Communications Plan

Are you afraid, hurt, or betrayed because of sexual abuse, exploitation, or harassment by a member of the clergy?

WE UNDERSTAND THAT
CONFIDENTIALITY MATTERS AND…
WE CAN HELP YOU.

If you or someone you know has been sexually exploited by a member of the clergy, a church worker, or volunteer, and you need to talk confidentially with someone about your feelings of betrayal or hurt by the Church due to sexual abuse, exploitation, or harassment please do not hesitate to contact us.

Ministry-related sexual misconduct refers to:

We will help you obtain support by providing information regarding:

We are respectfully open to your complaint. Both justice and compassion call us to respond to the harm you or someone you know has experienced from a person in a position of trust. We want to listen and address the hurt that may have occurred when pastoral care was exercised improperly.

We recognize that bringing a misconduct complaint to the Diocese can be a frightening prospect. We want to make this process as safe as possible. We will proceed at the pace that you set, respecting your need to determine when, how, and where you wish to speak.

We have found that the process works best when the person bringing the complaint has the support of a knowledgeable person, often referred to as an advisor/assistant. An advisor or assistant can accompany you at any stage of the process.

Two Ways to Bring Your Complaint:

CALL
Briston Fernandes, Victim Assistance Coordinator at (701) 356-7965.

WRITE
Victim Assistance Coordinator - "PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL"
Diocese of Fargo
Attn: Briston J. Fernandes
5201 Bishops Blvd, Suite B
Fargo, ND 58104-7605

We will also help you bring your concerns to church officials outside the Diocese of Fargo if the abuse, exploitation, or harassment occurred elsewhere and you now reside in the Diocese of Fargo.

If you are unsure about bringing a complaint or would like further information, please contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator at the above address or phone number, or send an e-mail to the Victim Assistance Coordinator.

We are sorry for the pain you have experienced.

By what we have begun here today and by what we have stated and agreed to,

-Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, Statement of Episcopal Commitment. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Diocesan reporting policy regarding sexual abuse

The Diocese of Fargo is committed to the protection of youth. Please report any incidents or suspected incidents of child abuse, including sexual abuse, to civil authorities.

If the situation involves a member of the clergy or a religious order, a seminarian, or an employee of a Catholic school, parish, the diocesan offices or other Catholic entity within the diocese, we ask that you also report the incident or suspected incident to Msgr. Dennis Skonseng, vicar general, at (701) 356-7945 or Briston Fernandes, victim assistance coordinator, at (701) 356-7965 or victimassistance@fargodiocese.org. 

Diocese of Fargo
5201 Bishops Blvd., Suite A
Fargo, ND 58104-7605
Phone: 701-356-7900
Contact us

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