Introduction to the VIRTUS Safe Environment Platform

 VIRTUS® Programs is a comprehensive Safe Environment training platform for adults and children. The Protecting God’s Children® Program and the Vulnerable Adult training  will be the official training for clergy, employees, volunteers and children.  

The corresponding VIRTUS  database is an online portal that provides access to your Safe Environment account. All archdiocesan users will have access to their previous training records within the database.

https://www.virtusonline.org/ 

Survivor of Abuse by a member of the Catholic Clergy
If you or a family member are a survivor of abuse by a member of the Catholic clergy, the Archdiocese of New Orleans provides prayerful support and accompaniment in your healing journey. The office of Victim’s Assistance is ready to support you during this difficult time. We encourage you to report any allegations of abuse to the Victim’s Assistance Response Team by contacting our office at (504) 861-6253 or by emailing [email protected].

In 2020, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  launched the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting System (CBAR), a means of implementing the requirements of Pope Francis’ 2019 apostolic letter, Vos estis lux mundi (“You are the light of the world”). In that letter, Pope Francis called upon metropolitan archbishops to undertake the responsibility for receiving and assessing reports involving bishops that pertain to sexual abuse and related misconduct. CBAR is operated by Convercent, Incorporated, an independent, third-party entity that provides intake services to private institutions for reports of sensitive topics, such as sexual harassment, through a secure, confidential, and professional platform.

Individuals may go to ReportBishopAbuse.org or call (800) 276-1562 in order to make a report.