Reporting abuse can be a frightening consideration. The Diocese of Saint Petersburg wants to make this process as safe as possible and will proceed appropriately, respecting your need for healing. Our Victim Assistance Coordinator will accompany you through any or all of the stages of the process.
It is in a spirit of justice and compassion that we respond to your allegation. We offer a pastoral outreach to assist you in voicing your concerns. Most importantly, we want to help you find true healing and peace through Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
Report Abuse
If you are a victim of abuse, or you suspect that a child or a vulnerable adult is being abused, call local law enforcement or the Florida Abuse Hotline (Florida Department of Children & Families).
EMERGENCY REPORTING
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
FLORIDA ABUSE HOTLINE
Call the hotline anytime
1-800-96-ABUSE.
REPORT ABUSE ONLINE
Florida Department of Children and Families website.
When to Report Abuse
Anyone who has experienced abuse or suspects abuse involving a child or vulnerable adult must report it immediately to civil authorities. Allegations involving clergy, employees, volunteers, or representatives of the Church may also be reported to diocesan officials for prompt response and investigation.
If you are aware of abuse, or suspect abuse, contact law enforcement if someone is in immediate danger, or call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, or report it online. Reports involving Church personnel may also be directed to the Diocese’s Victim Assistance Minister.
How to File an Abuse Complaint
Report Abuse to Authorities
If you are a victim of abuse, or you suspect that a child or a vulnerable adult is being abused by anyone, call law enforcement (911) or report it to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Report Abuse to the Diocese
To report abuse within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg involving church personnel (clergy, a church employee, or volunteer) or a contractor/vendor, contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator, John Lambert, L.C.S.W. or write to us.
Contact John Lambert, L.C.S.W.
Email: jl@dosp.org
Phone: 1-866-407-4505
Note: In your email, please include your first and last name, contact information, and how you would prefer to be contacted.
Write to the Diocese
Bishop Gregory L. Parkes
P.O. Box 40200, St. Petersburg, FL 33743
(Mark “CONFIDENTIAL– FOR THE BISHOP ONLY” on the envelope)
Report A Bishop
In March of 2020, the Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) was established. This is a confidential channel for reporting sexual misconduct of a U.S. bishop. CBAR is operated by Convercent, Inc. 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. Click here to read more.
To report abuse or sexual misconduct involving a bishop, call 1-800-276-1562 or click below to go to the Catholic Bishop Reporting Service website.
PLEASE NOTE: The contacts provided on this website are only to be used for reporting sexual misconduct or interference in sexual abuse investigations by bishops of the United States.
Our Commitment
Wherever the abuse might have taken place, even if it occurred in another diocese and you now reside within the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, our Victim Assistance Coordinator, John Lambert, L.C.S.W., (Phone: 1-866-407-4505; Email: jl@dosp.org) will assist you in bringing your concerns to church officials where the abuse occurred.
Our Support
We will help you by providing:
- Assistance and accompaniment through the reporting process
- Information about counseling and/or individual therapy
- Information to help you heal spiritually through a spiritual companion or a healing group
Prayer
“A Prayer for Healing,” offered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (in both English and Spanish).