The Archdiocese of Detroit encourages individuals to report clergy sexual abuse of minors and others directly to law enforcement – no matter when the abuse occurred.
Individuals may also contact the Archdiocese of Detroit. We place no deadlines or time limits on those who wish to come forward for help; be it five, 15, or 50 years later, our diocese accepts and responds to all reports.Â
The Archdiocese of Detroit reports every complaint it receives, regardless of its source or the date of the alleged activity, to civil authorities. No complaints are held back, pre-screened or disregarded. This is done in accordance with voluntary agreements signed in the spring of 2002 by the archdiocese and prosecutors from all six counties within its boundaries. As a result of the agreements, the archdiocese shared case files of priests accused of sexual misconduct in previous years and committed to turning over all complaints in the future.
WHEN to report
The following may be indicators that someone is being abused or neglected:
Children: Sudden changes in behavior or school performance; medical conditions go untreated; lacks adult supervision; overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn behavior; does not want to go home; dehydration or malnutrition.
Adults: Sudden changes in physical behavioral or financial status of elderly or someone with a developmental disability; left in front of a TV all day; dehydration or malnutrition.
HOW to report
Emergencies
If you suspect someone is in immediate danger, call 911
Law enforcement
Individuals who suspect clergy sexual abuse of children or vulnerable adults are encouraged to contact the Michigan Attorney General’s Office by calling its toll-free reporting hotline at (844) 324-3374 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or by emailing aginvestigations@michigan.gov. Individuals also may contact their local police department.
Mandated reporting
Mandated reporters in Michigan must make an immediate verbal report to the CPS Centralized Intake for Abuse & Neglect at (855) 444-3911, followed by a written report within 72 hours. Reports also can be made online. (See below for more information on mandated reporters.)
Archdiocese of Detroit
The Archdiocese of Detroit's Victim Assistance Coordinator, Tony Latarski, can be reached at (313) 237-6060 or toll-free at (866) 343-8055. Individuals also may email vac@aod.org. Mr. Latarski has an extensive background in law enforcement and works to receive and respond to all complaints. All calls and messages regarding complaints of sexual abuse will be returned in a timely manner. Callers will be asked to provide their name and telephone number.
Reporting a bishop
The Catholic Bishop Abuse Reporting Service (CBAR) has been established to receive reports of sexual abuse and related misconduct by bishops and to relay those reports to proper Church authorities for investigation. To make a report, visit ReportBishopAbuse.org or phone (800) 276-1562. When a report includes a crime, such as the sexual abuse of a minor, it will also be reported to civil authorities. Otherwise, reports will be kept confidential.
Reports of sexual misconduct by other Church personnel — priests, deacons, laypersons — should be reported in using the means described in the above sections.
WHO should report
Anyone who suspects abuse – of any kind – should immediately make a report with local law enforcement.
The Michigan Child Protection Law, 1975 PA 238, MCL 722.621 et. seq., requires the reporting of child abuse and neglect by certain persons (called mandated reporters) and permits the reporting of child abuse and neglect by all persons. The Child Protection Law includes the legal requirements for reporting, investigating and responding to child abuse and neglect.
Mandated reporters are an essential part of the child protection system because they have an enhanced capacity, through their expertise and direct contact with children, to identify suspected child abuse and neglect. For more information, including to view the list of mandated reporters in the State of Michigan, please click here.
For more information, see the Mandated Reporter's Resource Guide and/or download the DHS-3200 Report of Suspected or Actual Child Abuse or Neglect Form.