Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence

For Immediate Release

Date: August 31, 2016
Contact:
Communications Office
Carolyn Cronin
401.278.4600

Contact:
Office of Attorney General
Amy Kempe
401.274.4400/401.952.7726 (cell)

Attorney General Kilmartin and Bishop Tobin Announce Enhanced

Protocols for Reporting Allegations of Sexual Abuse of a Minor
In an ongoing effort to strengthen child protection policies, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence and
the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General have established an enhanced protocol for reporting
allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Under this strengthened protocol, the Diocese of Providence has
agreed to notify the Attorney Generals office of any allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
It is the clear practice of the Diocese to report every allegation of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement.
The additional step of notifying the Attorney Generals office provides supplemental transparency in keeping
with the Dioceses ongoing effort to ensure a safe environment.
The Letter of Understanding with the Office of the Attorney General concerning the reporting of incidents
of sexual abuse of minors comes after many months, even years, of reflection and discussion. I am grateful to
the Attorney General and his staff, and the staff of the Diocese of Providence, for their commitment to this
task. The agreement affirms and builds upon the longstanding policy and practice of the Diocese of
Providence to report each and every allegation of sexual misconduct with minors to law enforcement officials.
I believe that the new agreement will serve as a useful model and an inspiration for other organizations in
reporting such incidents as well, said Bishop Thomas J. Tobin.
This new step strengthens existing reporting practices by the Diocese, which in turn will ensure greater
transparency and a more robust investigation, and if appropriate, prosecution of individuals who sexually
abuse children, said Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin. I am very appreciative of the Diocese, and in
particular, Bishop Tobin, for their work on the Letter of Understanding, and more importantly, for the
recognition that the sexual abuse by a member of the Catholic Church cannot and will not be tolerated.
The sexual abuse of minors is a grave concern, a sin and a crime, in our society, and in the Church. In recent
years we have made significant progress in addressing this widespread problem, but we cannot stop or grow
comfortable now. The Diocese of Providence renews its commitment to eliminate sexual abuse of minors by
any member of the Church; to provide assistance and care to victims and their families; and to treat all
individuals with the justice and love, the care and compassion demanded by our Faith, added Bishop Tobin.
For more information on reporting procedures of the Diocese and the Office of Compliance please visit
www.dioceseofprovidence.org/office-of-compliance.
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