New hotline for reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct launched

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has launched a new independent hotline for the reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct.
The diocese has contracted with Red Flag Reporting, an industry-leading ethics reporting provider based in Akron, Ohio, to enable people to speak up, anonymously or not, when unethical activity is noted.

Key features of the independent and secure hotline include:

A toll-free phone number with live operators 24/7/365 who have the ability to field calls in more than 200 languages
An easy-to-use web reporting portal in more than 50 languages
Direct but anonymous communications between people reporting abuse and investigators
An ongoing ability for investigators to share documents and track multiple issues within one report
An auditable trail of information and trending data that enables Church leaders to verify compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
For the person reporting abuse, automatic identification of who the report will be routed to

The diocese continues to encourage anyone who suspects abuse or misconduct to contact local law enforcement first.
The diocese also notifies civil authorities immediately upon receiving any allegations of sexual abuse – past or present.
This independent, secure and confidential hotline adds another level of protection and public assur-ance to the robust child protection measures the diocese has already had in place for decades, so that the Church in western North Carolina is a safe and sacred environment for all of God’s children.

How to report an allegation of abuse

If you have information about possible sexual abuse or misconduct by any clergy, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Charlotte, report concerns safely, securely and anonymously 24/7 over the phone or online:

ONLINE:
www.RedFlagReporting.com/RCDOC

PHONE:
1-888-630-5929 (toll-free)

You may also use the following (be sure to be detail oriented, specify this is regarding the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, and indicate if you wish to remain anonymous or not):
FAX: 1-330-572-8146
EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
MAIL: RFR, P.O. Box 4230, Akron, Ohio 44321

PLEASE NOTE: The Diocese of Charlotte reports all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor to law enforcement. The diocese also notifies its Victim Assistance Coordinator, a licensed counselor who offers assistance to the reporting individual, as well as its Lay Review Board, an independent advisory group that investigates allegations of abuse for Church disciplinary purposes.
If you know or suspect that a minor (person under 18) is or has been abused, please contact 9-1-1 if it is an emergency, or your local law enforcement or Department of Social Services if it is a non-emergency.

More information online

Read more about the Diocese of Charlotte’s accountability report online at accountability.charlottediocese.org.

Read the full press release.