Safe Environment
Reporting and Responding to Abuse
The Eparchy receives reports of abuse, misconduct, bullying, harassment, and unsafe behaviour with seriousness, compassion, and accountability.
Reporting to the Church does not replace reporting to civil authorities. If someone is in immediate danger, or if the law requires a report to civil authorities, contact the proper authorities immediately.
If Someone Is in Immediate Danger
Call 911.
Abuse Involving a Minor Under 18
Contact civil authorities immediately:
- Local police service or RCMP detachment
- Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
- 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437
- Online exploitation: cybertip.ca
Abuse Involving a Senior
Contact civil authorities immediately:
- Local police service or RCMP detachment
- Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
- Family Violence Info Line: 310-1818
Confidential Reporting Contact
For matters involving vulnerable persons, seniors, minors, church property or finances, bullying, harassment, abuse, or misconduct by a bishop, clergy member, staff member, or lay volunteer within the Church, contact the Eparchy in confidence.
All reports are taken seriously. The Eparchy is committed to responding with compassion, timeliness, and cooperation with child welfare authorities and/or police where required.
The Response Process
When the Eparchy receives an allegation of abuse or misconduct in ministry, the concern is referred to the Safe Environments Coordinator.
- The Safe Environments Coordinator receives the complaint, collects preliminary information, and prepares an intake report.
- The Safe Environments Coordinator notifies the Bishop's Delegate.
- If the matter involves a minor under 18, the proper civil authorities must be contacted immediately as required by law.
- The intake report is forwarded to the Bishop's Delegate for preliminary investigation.
- If the allegation lacks credible evidence or is deemed not credible at the time of intake, the process may end and the parties are informed.
- If the allegation appears credible, further action is taken according to the role of the alleged perpetrator and the applicable Church and civil procedures.
How Different Allegations May Be Handled
If the Alleged Perpetrator Is the Eparchial Bishop
The matter is referred through the proper Church authorities, including notification of the metropolitan and patriarch. The metropolitan contacts the Holy See through the Apostolic Nuncio for further instruction.
If the Alleged Perpetrator Is a Cleric
The cleric may be notified of the allegation and placed on administrative leave. The bishop may open a canonical investigation, and the Bishop's Delegate may investigate and forward the file to the Safe Environments Advisory Committee.
If the Alleged Perpetrator Is a Consecrated Person
The person's ability to minister in the Eparchy may be suspended while the proper religious superior is notified. The superior works with the Bishop's Delegate and the Safe Environments Advisory Committee.
If the Alleged Perpetrator Is a Lay Employee or Volunteer
The person may be placed on administrative leave or suspended from ministry while the matter is reviewed. Depending on the findings, discipline, termination, or suspension from ministry may be considered.
Support for Those Affected by Abuse
The Eparchy is committed to spiritual care and healing for those affected by abuse. Care and healing are not separate from accountability. They are part of the Church's responsibility to respond with compassion, truth, and a commitment to preventing future harm.
- Those who bring forward allegations are treated with dignity and respect.
- Spiritual care, counselling, and support are made available to victims of abuse.
- The privacy and good reputation of all persons involved are protected.
- The Eparchy seeks to support healing for victims, families, parish communities, and others harmed by abuse.
Safe Environments Advisory Committee
The Safe Environments Advisory Committee reviews and assists in assessing complaints regarding abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults assigned to it by the Bishop's Delegate. The committee makes recommendations within an appropriate timeframe regarding actions to be taken.
Current members listed on the existing website:
- Daryl and Patricia Chichak, representing married couples
- S/Sgt. Steven Chwok, retired Edmonton Police Service
- Rev. Fr. Gabriel Haber, OSBM, representing clergy/religious
- Heather Jamieson, PhD, Psychology
- Lidia M. Wasylyn, BA, MA, JD
- Rev. Fr. John J. Vizza, JCL, MS Psych, Bishop's Delegate/Chair
- Dr. Theresa Zolner, R. Psych, Alberta
Victim's Care Committee
The Victim's Care Committee helps ensure that appropriate assistance is made available to victims of sexual abuse committed by clergy, religious, employees, or volunteers while ministering in the Eparchy of Edmonton.
The committee may include:
- A professional psychologist or qualified counsellor experienced with abuse issues
- A married couple with young children
- A priest, deacon, religious sister, or religious brother
- A civil lawyer
The Victim's Care Committee receives referrals from the Safe Environments Advisory Committee following the investigation and response to a complaint.
Safe Environment Contacts
Confidential Reporting
For confidential reporting of abuse, misconduct, bullying, harassment, or safety concerns involving the Church:
Pastoral Centre
Ukrainian Catholic Pastoral Centre
9645 - 108 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 1A3
Phone: (780) 424-5496
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.