The phone numbers above will put you in touch with a team of psychologists, counsellors and social workers who work independently from the Church. They can also assist you in reporting your abuse to the appropriate authorities and ensuring you are updated on developments as they occur.
- Phase 1: Report Received
- A social worker will listen to your experience and explain the process. When you report your experience, a social worker will walk you through some basic questions to better understand and document the details. They will offer you counselling, tell you about available resources, and how to file a report with local authorities. This becomes a requirement if the incident involved a minor at the time.
- Phase 2: Initial Research and Review
- Files are searched and a Review Board recommends next steps.
With your permission, a representative at the Archdiocese of Vancouver will be notified regarding this the allegation and a thorough search of the Church’s files and archives will be conducted to gather information. A committee, which includes victims/survivors of clergy abuse, will review the initial report. This committee will make a recommendation regarding whether to proceed with a formal investigation. You will be updated at the end of this step.
- Files are searched and a Review Board recommends next steps.
- Phase 3: Investigation
- An experienced investigator conducts interviews and gathers facts.
If called for, an experienced investigator will work to collect evidence and talk to witnesses to help prepare a more detailed report. Your involvement in this investigation is key, and you will be updated at the end of this step.
- An experienced investigator conducts interviews and gathers facts.
- Phase 4: Further Process
- If necessary, the accused is investigated by Church officials.
If the case is likely headed to a canonical (Church) trial of the accused clergy member, you will be updated regarding the Church’s internal process. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in Rome is the official Church authority responsible for dealing with clergy sexual abuse of minors. They will review the report and can determine what happens to the accused clergy member. This phase rarely occurs but we want you to know about all possible steps.
- If necessary, the accused is investigated by Church officials.
- Phase 5: Decision and Conclusion
- A conclusion is reached for the Reporting Person.
At this point, you will be informed of the actions the Church has taken regarding your report. The Archdiocese may offer you additional counselling and support services. The file is then closed and kept permanently on record.
- A conclusion is reached for the Reporting Person.
To report a Catholic Bishop in Canada who is living and has committed sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, or has covered-up sexual abuse, please call or submit a report online:
ClearView ConnectsTM
Toll-free: 1-866-892-3737
Online: bishopreportingsystem.ca
ClearView ConnectsTM is an independent and confidential ethics reporting service, provided and financed by the Catholic Bishops of Canada.
Report Abuse by a Lay Person
To report an alleged abuse by a religious, a lay employee or volunteer, at any time, please contact whomever of the following you would be most comfortable speaking to:
Mr. James Borkowski
Phone: (604) 683-0281 ext. 433
Cell: (604) 318-0876
Email: jcborkowski@rcav.org
Mrs. Marisa Ruggier-Andrews
Phone: (604) 683-0281 ext. 426
Cell: (778) 372-4913
Email: mruggierandrews@rcav.org
4885 Saint John Paul II Way, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0G3
Phone: (604) 683-0281 | Fax: (604) 683-4288
4885 Saint John Paul II Way, Vancouver, BC V5Z 0G3
Phone: 604 683 0281
Fax: 604 683 4288