Safe Communities
Archbishop Julian Porteous:
‘An Open Letter to the People of Tasmania’
Read the original letter here.
The Safe Communities: Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults Framework was developed in consultation with Archdiocese of Hobart Trust Agencies and Organisations of Catholics.
The Safe Communities – Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adult’s Framework objectives are to:
Create a shared culture of safety for children and vulnerable adults
Establish systems and processes that provide a safe environment for all in our care
Implement safe strategies and practices to protect children and vulnerable adults from harm
Report, monitor and respond to disclosures or concerns of abuse throughout Tasmania
The Framework acknowledges organisations existing strong safeguarding practices, including parishes. It seeks commitment to shared responsibility.
Towards Healing – Professional Standards
Towards Healing was established in 1996. It is the Australian Catholic Church protocol that was developed by the National Committee for Professional Standards.
There are State Directors of Professional Standards and Resource Groups to advise and assist in matters concerning Church-related abuse and to appoint suitable people as contact persons, support persons, assessors and facilitators.
The Tasmanian Office of Professional Standards responds pastorally to survivors of abuse and manages the process.
The phone numbers for the State Professional Standards offices are:
• Tasmania - 1800 356 613
• New South Wales - 1300 369 977
• Northern Territory - 0418 736 890
• Victoria - 1800 816 030
• Queensland - 1800 337 928
• Western Australia - 1800 072 390
• South Australia - 1800 139 020
National Committee for Professional Standards Documents:
Integrity in the Service of the Church
Healing and Support
There are dedicated services that provide support, including counselling to survivors of abuse. Many of these services are free of charge and are provided confidentially.
CatholicCare Tasmania
Hobart: (03) 6278 1660
Launceston: (03) 6332 0600
Devonport: (03) 6423 6100 or 1800 819 447
Burnie: (03) 6431 8555 or 1800 819 447
1800 Respect
1800 737 732
Laurel House
(Northern Tasmania)
(03) 6334 2740 or (03) 6431 9711
Lifeline
131 114
Sexual Assault Support Services (Southern Tasmania)
(03) 6231 0044 9-5 Mon-Fri or on the 24 hour crisis support line 1800 697 877 (1800 MYSUPPORT).
Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline
1800 441 169
Police
000 (Emergency)
131 444 (Non-emergency)
Further National and Tasmanian support services can be found on the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse website.
For further information, please contact the Safe Communities Officer on 6208 6222