Protecting Our Children

Bishop Knestout encourages anyone aware of sexual abuse of minors on the part of clergy or staff of our diocese to notify civil authorities, call the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064, and reach out to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 1-877-887-9603.  

Click here for additional information on how to report abuse and harassment.

Bishop Knestout has released the names of clergy in the Diocese of Richmond that have a credible and substantiated allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. The list also includes clergy from other dioceses and religious communities who served in the Diocese. Click here to view the list.

For more information on our Diocese's responses to the clergy sex abuse scandal, click here.

 

Ethics Abuse Hotline Established By Diocese

Bishop Knestout announces the implementation of a hotline to report suspected financial, administrative or human resource misconduct within the Diocese of Richmond. The hotline is handled through EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party reporting system, to ensure accountability and transparency. This helps to safeguard the resources entrusted to us by the people of our diocese. Reports can be made online or by phone. Employees, volunteers, clergy, parishioners and any other individual wishing to make a report can do so anonymously.

The toll-free number is 844-739-3210 and is offered in multiple languages. To submit a report online, visit the diocesan website, www.richmonddiocese.org, and select “EthicsPoint.” The hotline number is not a 911 or emergency service number. Individuals should not use this number to report information that is of an immediate threat to life or property. Additionally, EthicsPoint is NOT intended to receive information about sexual abuse allegations. Abuse allegations should be reported immediately to local law enforcement and the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.

Additional information including a video message and letter from Bishop Knestout, a list of frequently asked questions and other resources regarding EthicsPoint can be found by visiting the diocesan website.