How to Report Abuse:
Call the 24-hour Florida Child Abuse Hotline
Call your local Sheriffs Department and/or Call the Diocesan Abuse Reporting Hotline
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is committed to the safety and well-being of those we serve. Therefore, the faculty, staff, administration and volunteers of Sacred Heart Cathedral School must meet requirements of the Bishops' Charter to help protect the children with whom we come into contact. More information is available from the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee's Office of Safe Environment
The Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is committed to healing the hurting hearts of sexual abuse victims and has established Victims Assistance Coordinators who are experienced and trained counselors and are available to help persons who have been sexually abused. The Coordinator for the Pensacola / Ft Walton area is Louis M. Makarowski, Ph.D., P.A., he can be reached at 850-477-7181.
Child Abuse
- Look for the signs
- Dial 1-800-96-ABUSE
Signs of Physical Abuse
The child may have unexplained:
- bruises, welts, cuts, or other injuries
- broken bones
- burns
A child experiencing physical abuse may:
- seem withdrawn or depressed
- seem afraid to go home or may run away
- shy away from physical contact
be aggressive - wear inappropriate clothing to hide injuries
Signs of Sexual Abuse
The child may have:
- torn, stained or bloody underwear
- trouble walking or sitting
pain or itching in genital area - a sexually transmitted disease
A child experiencing sexual abuse may:
- have unusual knowledge of sex or act seductively
- fear a particular person
- seem withdrawn or depressed
- gain or lose weight suddenly
- shy away from physical contact
- run away from home
Signs of Neglect
The child may have:
- unattended medical needs
- little or no supervision at home
- poor hygiene
- appear underweight
A child experiencing neglect may:
- be frequently tired or hungry
- steal food
- appear overly needy for adult attention
Look for the Patterns
Serious abuse usually involves a combination of factors. While a single sign may not be significant, a pattern of physical or behavioral signs is a serious indicator and should be reported.
If a child tells YOU about abuse:
Be a good listener.
Show that you understand and believe what the child tells you. Encourage, but don’t pressure him/her to talk. Ask open ended questions.
Be supportive.
Tell the child he/she did the right thing by coming to you. Stress that he/she is not to blame. Let the child know that you want to help.
Don’t overreact.
This can frighten the child or prevent him/her from telling you more. Do not talk negatively about the suspected abuser in front of the child.
Document and report it.
Document your conversation as soon as you can. If possible, write down the child’s exact words.
Don’t delay.
Never assume someone else will report the abuse. The sooner it’s reported, the sooner the child and their family can be helped.
WHO MUST REPORT ABUSE?
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Social Workers
- Police Officers
- Child Care Workers
- Any Witnesses
- Any/All School Personnel
Call or Report it online at: https://reportabuse.myflfamilies.com/s/
Florida Department of Education Abuse Information: https://www.fldoe.org/teaching/professional-practices/what-is-educator-misconducta.stml
“A teacher affects eternity…he can never tell where his influence stops.”
~Henry B. Adams
| Florida Statutes And Rules |
| Florida Statutes s. 1006.061 states all employees and agents of the district school board, charter schools and private schools that accept scholarship students, have an obligation to report misconduct by an instructional personnel member or school administrator Florida Statutes s. 1012.33 outlines disciplinary procedures regarding district employment contracts with instructional personnel staff, supervisors and school principals Florida Statutes s. 1012.795 provides the Education Practices Commission the authority to issue disciplinary action against an individual’s Florida Educator certificate Florida Statutes s. 1012.796 provides authority for the Department of Education to investigate and prosecute allegations of educator misconduct Florida Statute s. 1012.01 defines public school instructional personnel, administrative personnel, school volunteers, education support employees and managers State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.001 defines the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession in Florida State Board of Education Rule 6B-1.006 defines the Principals of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession in Florida |
HOW TO REPORT MISCONDUCT
|
| If someone tells you about misconduct, be a LEADER: Listen Evaluate Act immediately Document Encourage Report |
| WHO SHOULD REPORT MISCONDUCT? All employees and agents of a district school board, charter school or private school have a duty to report misconduct. If you are aware of or observe misconduct REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY! |
WHO SHOULD YOU REPORT?
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| Failure to Report Misconduct Possible penalties for instructional personnel or site administrators who fail to report
|
Victim Assistance
A relationship of faith and commitment exists between the Catholic Church and its members, and the public, whether they are children, young people, adults, or elderly. Sexual abuse in this context, or any other relationship, is a matter of grave concern.
Knowledge of such abuse requires a special response in order to facilitate the healing process and assure the safety of the community. With this in mind, the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee is committed to healing the hurting hearts of sexual abuse victims. This diocese has established Victim Assistance Coordinators who are experienced and trained counselors. These coordinators are available to help persons who have been sexually abused by a priest, deacon, or other church personnel in Northwest Florida.
Victim Assistance Letter
Victim Assistance Flyer
Victim Assistance Coordinators
(Let them help you find healing)
Pensacola/Ft. Walton:
Louis M. Makarowski Ph.D.,P.A.
(850) 477-7181
Tallahassee/Panama City:
Shannon D. Mullen, Ph.D. CSAT
(229) 233-8009
For Spanish Speakers - En Español:
Deacon Santiago Molina
(850) 222-6482
These Victim Assistance Coordinators are an additional way that the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee has dedicated itself to addressing sexual abuse by clergy or other church personnel.
When you call, we are committed to:
- Being helpful to victims of sexual abuse by clergy or church personnel and facilitate a process of healing and reconciliation
- Offering victims counseling and services that will assist them in their difficult journey in addressing years of pain and suffering
- Providing emotional support and companionship to victims as they make their journey in search of healing
- To work with local and state authorities in preventing future abuse and to punish those who perpetrate abuse
- To remove from ministry those who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse
Please help us:
- Call the 24-Hour Florida Child Abuse Hotline to report a case of sexual abuse. Please call: 1-800-962-2873
- Call law enforcement (your local Sheriff's number in your phone book)
- Call the Diocesan Abuse Reporting Hotline: 1-850-435-3536.
- Victims, Church personnel, and members of the public are obligated under Florida Law to report child or sexual abuse.
- Promote "safety education" programs that empower children, young people, and adults to protect themselves from sexual abuse or harassment.
- Be observant and vigilant when in an environment where children are present.
- Insist that children (17 years of age and younger) be properly supervised.
Diocesan Response Team
Msgr. Michael Reed, J.C.L.
Louis M. Makarowski Ph.D.,P.A.
Independent Review Board
Mrs. Stephanie Alft
Reverend Douglas Halsema
Mrs. Angela Guillaume
Mrs. Anita Nasbaum
Shelly Claubaugh
Kelly Meek
Paul Jansen
Bishop's Designee
Msgr. Michael Reed, J.C.L.
(850) 435-3520