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Anglican Diocese of Gippsland
HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
The Anglican Diocese of
Gippsland does not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual abuse in the
community nor in the Church community. These issues are taken very
seriously.
This information aims to help you
if you find that you have been or are being sexually abused or harassed
within the Anglican community. It includes descriptions of what
constitutes harassment, and some steps to be taken to stop the practice.
The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland
has developed policy and procedures for dealing with sexual harassment by
its office holders and employees. The Bishop of Gippsland has appointed a
Director of Professional Standards.
The Director of Professional
Standards role is to acquaint you fully with your options and to assist
you in deciding the course you will take in making a complaint. The
Director of Professional Standards may (if you wish) attempt a resolution
by informal conciliation.
The Guidelines apply to clergy,
lay workers, parish council members, choir leaders, youth leaders, Sunday
School teachers and all others who hold office within the Church.
·
Sexual relationships
are never acceptable in a pastoral context, even though they may appear to
be consensual.
·
Touching another
person in intensely emotional situations, whether of grief, trouble or
joy, must not be taken for granted. Care should be taken that the touching
is welcome and understood.
·
Maintaining
appropriate boundaries is always the responsibility of the person with
power and authority.
SEXUAL
HARASSMENT
Sexual Harassment is a term to
cover uninvited and unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. These include:
·
demands for sexual
activity
·
sexual assault
·
unwelcome physical
contact, including touching, stroking, etc.
·
comments about a
person's sexual behaviour or appearance
·
sexually suggestive
jokes or gestures
·
the use of offensive
language or images
·
obscene telephone
calls, letters or messages via e-mail.
Harassment can be subtle and
implicit rather than explicit. Sexual harassment is most serious when the
harasser is in a position of power over the harassed. In the Church
context, victims may perceive their situation to be not only one of sexual
harassment, but of spiritual abuse and betrayal which damages their
relationship with God and the Church.
MAKING
A COMPLAINT
The first step in making a
complaint is to call the Director of Professional Standards. (The contact
number is listed below)
SEXUAL
ABUSE OF CHILDREN
If in the course of an enquiry the
Director of Professional Standards forms a belief, based on reasonable
grounds that a child is in need of protection from physical or sexual
abuse the Director of Professional Standards may feel compelled to contact
the State Child Protection Services Unit formally.
OTHER
OPTIONS
·
You may seek the
assistance of the Equal Opportunity office
·
You may seek
independent legal advice
·
You may go to the
Police
Contacting the Director of
Professional Standards does not prevent you from following other avenues
as well. Director of Professional Standards:
Ms Cheryl Russell (03) 5633 1573
Diocesan Registry, 453 Raymond Street. Sale Victoria 3850 (
P O Box 928) Hours - 9am to 5pm - Mon. to Fri
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