Our online complaint form may be used to present an allegation that a cleric (bishop, priest, deacon) has committed an act of sexual abuse of a minor. You will be contacted within one business day.
If there is an emergency, and you believe that a child is in imminent risk, please call 911, and then contact the New York State Hotline (1-800-342-3720). The policy of the Archdiocese is to report to law enforcement every allegation that presents reasonable suspicion of child abuse (sexual or otherwise) or neglect.
A complaint about sexual abuse of a minor by a cleric may also be filed by contacting the Victim Assistance Coordinator: [email protected].
All complaints will be treated confidentially subject to the requirements of civil or canon law, the need to cooperate with investigations by civil authorities, and the need to thoroughly investigate the report and take appropriate corrective action.
To file a complaint about a bishop
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has established an independent third party reporting system to receive allegations of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops of the United States. Anyone wishing to make a complaint against a bishop of sexual abuse or other related misconduct may make such a report at ReportBishopAbuse.org or by calling toll-free 1-800-276-1562.
To file a complaint about a lay person.
To file a complaint about sexual abuse of a minor by a lay person (employee of volunteer) acting on behalf of the church, please click here and fill out the online form.
Whistleblower Protection
Persons who report alleged incidents pursuant to this policy, and those who cooperate with investigations of such reports, shall be entitled to the protections of the Archdiocesan whistleblower policy. The Archdiocese expressly prohibits any form of retaliation, including harassment, intimidation, or adverse employment actions against personnel who raise suspected violations of law, cooperate in inquiries or investigations, or identify potential violations of Archdiocesan policies in good faith.