Definition of Abuse

Child abuse refers to the physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment, including acquisition, possesion, or distribution of pornographic images of a minor, a person who is not yet 18 years of age, or any person who habitually lacks use of reason regardless of age.

Child abuse of any kind is a violation of the laws of the state of Oregon. Some public or private officials, including the clergy and teachers, are required by law to report suspected child abuse to the civil authorities. The clergy are not required nor allowed to report a confidential communication from a penitent.

The Diocese of Baker will comply with the child abuse statues of the state of Oregon.

Contacts for Reporting Abuse:

Reporting Sexual Abuse involving Minors

All allegations or incidents of sexual abuse of anyone (laity or clergy) to anyone under the age of 18 years of age should be reported immediately to the civil authorities: 
ODHR 1-855-503-SAFE (7233) or 911

After reporting any abuse involving a minor to civil authorities, please contact: 
 
Leah Bickett, Safe Environment Coordinator for the Diocese of Baker 
Email:  leah@dioceseofbaker.org
Phone:  (541) 388-4004

Reporting Misconduct (sexual or otherwise) involving Clergy to Adults

For allegations against a parish lay staff member or other adult of misconduct, please contact: 

Very Rev. Saji Thomas,CMI, V.G
Primary Phone: (541) 962-5571
Office:  (541) 388-4004
Email: vg@dioceseofbaker.org

If criminal behavior (e.g. rape, attempted rape, assault, stalking) is involved, this should be immediately reported to the police (911) and then the Vicar General. If in doubt about whether a behavior is criminal, call the police.

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Reporting Misconduct involving a Bishop
To report allegations that a diocesan bishop or a cleric overseeing a diocese in the absence of a diocesan bishop has himself committed sexual abuse or has intentionally interfered with a civil or church investigation into allegations of sexual abuse committed by another cleric or religious, please contact:

Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBARS) 
Office:  (800) 276-1562
Email:  ReportBishopAbuse.org

This line receives reports about sexual abuse only. Other complaints about a bishop—regarding, for example, priest assignments, church closings, or preaching and teaching—should be addressed to your diocesan bishop directly.

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Child Abuse Resources

• Child Abuse Reporting Form
• Child Abuse Intervention Centers in Oregon
• Oregon Department of Human Resources

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Victim's Assistance Coordinator

For allegations against a  priest, deacon, or seminarian, please contact: 

Angelina Montoya, MD
Phone: 541-678-5652

For victim assistance services (e.g. counseling or medical services, etc.), please contact:
Angelina Montoya, MD
Phone: 541-678-5652