Anglicans in Melbourne and Geelong

Harassment and abuse

Proposed Material for Diocesan Synod October 2009

General Information

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne does not tolerate harassment or abuse in its Church community.

This information is intended to help you if you have been or are being abused or harassed by clergy or Church officers in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne.

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne has a long standing Code of Good Practice for Clergy and policies and procedures for dealing with complaints of sexual harassment or sexual abuse by clergy, lay workers, vestry members, choir leaders, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers and all others who hold office within the Church. These have evolved over the last ten years as we have gathered knowledge and experience. Changes in the definitions of inappropriate behaviour and the system for responding to complaints are being implemented progressively as we come to understand the feelings and needs of those who have been abused.

Basic Guidelines

  • A priest or church officer who uses his or her power to coerce, manipulate or bully an individual is every bit as abusive - albeit in a different way - as the vicar who uses his or her status to satisfy his or her sexual desires.
  • Sexual relationships are never acceptable in a pastoral context, even though they may appear to be consensual.
  • Touching another person in intensely emotional situations, whether of grief, trouble or joy, must not be taken for granted. Care should be taken to ensure that the touching is welcome and understood.
  • Pastoral relationships and relationships between clergy and parishioners can create an environment where clients or complainants trust, and feel less powerful than, the priest or other church officer who is advising them.
  • Maintaining appropriate boundaries is always the responsibility of the person who has or is perceived to have greater power and authority.

Making a complaint

A Director of Professional Standards have been appointed to respond to all complaints of sexual, physical, spiritual or emotional abuse by clergy or Church officers who are or have been in a pastoral relationship with the complainant. The Director of Professional Standards is as independent as possible from the Diocese but is paid by the Diocese and reports to the Professional Standards Committee.

The first step in making a complaint is to call the recorded information line at any time on: 1800 135 246

All information provided to this service is strictly confidential.

The person taking a message on this number will ask you to give a name and your phone number or address so that they can email it to the Director of Professional Standardswho will contact you as soon as possible after getting the message. Alternatively, you can write to her at this address:

Director of Professional Standards
Anglican Diocese of Melbourne
P O Box 329
CANTERBURY VIC 3126.

Mark your envelope 'Confidential'

  • We take all complaints of abuse very seriously.
  • We will do all we can to lessen harm by providing the best care possible.
  • We offer respect, pastoral care and on-going long-term support to anyone who makes a complaint.
  • We also offer support to any priest or church member who is accused of abuse or harassment. The rights of the person accused of wrongdoing will be respected.
  • We will provide for and monitor the long-term pastoral needs of the parish and the subsequent clergy following disclosure of abuse by their clergy or Church officers.

The Director will follow the Protocol outlined in the Discussion Paper.

You will be consulted and kept fully informed in every step of the process. Independent counselling and other help is available when it is needed.

Sexual Abuse of Children

If the Director forms a belief, based on reasonable grounds, that a child is in need of protection from abuse, she may feel compelled to contact the Child Protection Services Unit in the Department of Human Services.

Other Options

A disclosure to the Director does not prevent you from following any other options available to you to ensure that your complaint is heard and responded to. For example, you may

  • Obtain counselling or other support services from your usual provider
  • Seek the assistance of the Equal Opportunity office
  • Seek independent legal advice
  • Go to the police.