What has the Church done to prevent future abuse by priests, religious or Church lay people? The Church has implemented a variety of measures to help victims and prevent abuse including establishing two processes – the Melbourne Response and Towards Healing.
Under the Melbourne Response, if the accused is still active in a pastoral role and the complaint appears credible, the Independent Commissioner will recommend to the Archbishop that the accused be suspended from performing any duties that would put them in a position where they might offend again while the complaint is investigated.
The Archbishop has always acted on these recommendations. The accused person is put on administrative leave until the complaint is upheld or dismissed.
Under Towards Healing, the State Director of Professional Standards may recommend to the Church Authority – that is, a bishop or congregational leader – that the accused be stood aside from a particular office or from all offices held in the Church, pending investigation.
Unless urgent action is required to address a significant risk of ongoing abuse, the bishop or congregational leader seeks advice from a Consultative Panel before making a decision, giving the accused the opportunity to be heard on the matter.
If there is seen to be any significant risk of abuse to other persons, the Church Authority must act at the earliest possible moment on the best advice available.