St. John Berchmans Catholic Church is working closely with the Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment to create a safe environment for everyone, but especially for children. The Office of Victim Assistance and Safe Environment (OVASE) was created in 2003 to ensure that every parish, school, organization, and agency is safe for all children.
For any questions or inquiries, please contact the office for more information at 210-434-3247.
Ovase Details
In particular, OVASE:
- Offers immediate pastoral response and assistance to those who have been sexually abused by a clergy, an archdiocesan staff, or a volunteer.
- Will assess needs, explain procedures, and help reconnect the victim to the church through honest and direct communication, and trustworthy, ethical conduct.
- Provides educational opportunities for archdiocesan and parish leadership regarding the effects of abuse on victims and appropriate ministerial boundaries.
- Educates children and adults about preventing abuse, encouraging behaviors that keep children safe, and acting to protect children if abuse occurs.
- Trains and assists Safe Environment Coordinators in every parish, school, institution, and agency.
- Monitors criminal background checks for all clergy, employees, and designated volunteers.
Policies, documents, and other helpful links available on the OVASE Home Page.
