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Safe Environment

In an ongoing effort to protect children, to provide a safe environment for all, the Catholic Church mandates training as well background checks and provides further education and resources for all adults working with children.

The Safe Environment Office is tasked executing policy by assisting with reports of abuse, processing background checks, administering training, and supporting parishes and locations. It also abides by the USCCB Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The charter requires that all dioceses/eparchies have clear and well-publicized standards of behaviors and boundaries, maintain safe environment programs for all children and adults and evaluate the background of all lay employees, clergy, and all volunteers who have contact with children.

Employees & Volunteers

Whether you’re starting out or have been with the diocese for years, we’re glad that you’re here! Please refer to the following resources:

As you have questions, please reach out to the Safe Environment Coordinator at your parish or school.

Coordinators at Parishes or Schools

Coordinators, business managers, and other key staff, play a critical role in the protection of children by ensuring that employees and volunteers are compliant with policy.

To report a violation of the Safe Environment Policy that does not constitute abuse or suspected abuse, contact the Safe Environment Office.

Have questions? Please reference our FAQs. For further assistance, please email safeenvironment@columbuscatholic.org.

Reporting Abuse

Reporting Abuse

If you or someone you know has been abused at any time by a priest, deacon, religious, seminarian, person in formation, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Columbus, or if you believe that abuse has occurred or is currently occurring, contact civil authorities and also Ms. Laura Lewis, Victim Assistance Coordinator. 

Contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator

Training

Protecting God’s Children/Virtus Training
Protecting God’s Children for Adults is a training on the prevention of child sexual abuse. The training educates participants on the signs of child sexual abuse, the methods and means by which offenders commit abuse, and how to prevent it. View upcoming sessions across the Diocese.

Contacts

Meredith Gaul
Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator
614-241-2568 Opt. 3
mgaul@columbuscatholic.org 

Megan Matthews
Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator
614-241-2568 Opt. 1
mmatthews@columbuscatholic.org

Laura J. Lewis, M.A., L.P.C.C.-S
Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
866-448-0217
llewis@columbuscatholic.org
helpisavailable@columbuscatholic.org