Standard 2
Standard 2 - Procedures for Responding to Child Protection Suspicions, Concerns, Knowledge or Allegations
Introduction
Children and young people occupy a central place in the heart of the Christian community and have a right to be listened to and be heard. Their protection and welfare if the first and paramount consideration.
To create and maintain a safe environment, Dominicans must respond effectively to all allegations of abuse. The responsibility to report allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities is mandatory for all members of Dominican Order. (Guidance 12 pg 104).
The only exception to this is the receipt of any information by a priest under the sacramental seal of Confession (Guidance 13 pg 107)
It is important that anyone working on behalf of the Dominicans knows how to respond to allegations, including who to tell and how to record the information. This section provides guidance on these issues. Should any person be unsure of whether information they have received constitutes an allegation of abuse and/or if they want guidance on how they should manage a concern, they should contact the DLP without delay.