SAFEGUARDING POLICY FOR MINORS AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary of the Northwest Europe Region are engaged in various ministries, some of which involve accompanying vulnerable or at-risk adults, and others that bring them into contact with children.
Care for children and the most vulnerable has always been at the heart of our Franciscan spirit. As Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, we take responsibility for the well-being of all the People of God and for our duty to protect all children and adults, especially those entrusted to us.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary live according to their mission: “Following the example of Christ, we wish to approach each person with humility” and “with His respect.” We recognize the seriousness of all forms of abuse toward others and affirm that abuse—whether verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual, including neglect—especially toward minors and vulnerable adults, is unacceptable.
We strive to safeguard the well-being of people of all ages, regardless of their role, and we work together to prevent abuse of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. We act accordingly and without delay whenever a concern is raised.
The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary are committed to respecting the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Catholic Church in France, England and Wales, Belgium, Ireland, and Malta.
PROCEDURE FOR REPORTING ABUSE IN FRANCE
Any victim, witness, or person who suspects that a child or vulnerable person is in danger or at risk must report the situation to the French judicial authorities by contacting:
- Police – Tel: 17
- Child Protection Services (Enfance en danger) – Tel: 119
- Public Prosecutor (Paris) – Tel: +33 1 44 32 51 51
For acts committed by a person in a position of responsibility within the Church, it is also possible to contact:
- France Victimes – +33 1 41 83 42 17
- French Bishops’ Conference – paroledevictimes@cef.fr
- Conference of Religious Men and Women in France – ecoutevictimes@corref.fr
- Recognition & Reparation Commission (CRR) – https://www.reconnaissancereparation.org
- Tel: +33 9 73 88 25 71
- Email: victimes@crr.contact
- Address: 226 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
FMM CONTACTS
France & Belgium
Sr Elzbieta Walkowiak
elzbieta.w@fmmfrance.fr
United Kingdom, Ireland & Malta
Sr Mary Fitzpatrick
safeguarding@fmmuk.org