"Today we are challenged as the People of God to take on the pain of our brothers and sisters wounded in their flesh and in their spirit. If, in the past, the response was one of omission, today we want solidarity, in the deepest and most challenging sense, to become our way of forging present and future history. And this in an environment where conflicts, tensions and above all the victims of every type of abuse can encounter an outstretched hand to protect them and rescue them from their pain (cf. Evangelii gaudium, 228.)" – Pope Francis, letter of 20 August 2018.
What kind of cases can be reported?
On this interface you can report sexual abuse you have suffered or experienced that occurred in institutions connected to our Archdiocese, or on the territory of the Archdiocese.
Sexual abuse is considered to be:
- Forcing someone to commit or suffer a sexual act by violence, threats or abuse of authority.
- Committing sexual act with a minor or a vulnerable adult.
- Producing, offering, distributing or possessing child pornography material either by telecommunication or by information technology, as well as enticing or coercing a minor or a vulnerable adult to participate in pornographic filming.
Minor is a person who has not reached eighteen years of age, or is under the age of eighteen by law.
Vulnerable adult is a person over eighteen years of age, who cannot protect her/himself because of her/his disability, age, illness or situation (subordinate, vulnerable or forced) in the case of a significant harm, exploitation, ill-treatment, and is therefore at increased risk of any abuse.
Child pornography material: depiction of a minor, regardless of the means used in the explicit sexual act, whether real or simulated, or depictions of the genitals of minors for predominantly sexual purposes.
Sexual violence involves forcing or enticing a person(s) to engage in sexual activities, regardless of whether the victim is aware of what is happening to them (whether they are able to comprehend what is happening to them or not). Abuse can happen with or without physical contact. The former may include acts involving penetration (e.g., rape) and acts not involving it. The latter may include, for example, involving the subject in viewing or producing pornographic material, or in observing sexual activity. It may also include encouraging the subject to engage in sexually inappropriate behavior
Sexual abuse includes any form of sexual violence, including rape, involvement in pornography, and sexual slavery. Any behaviour that leads to someone being taken against their will or by deception, manipulation, abuse of power, or even trust, or by taking advantage of their unconscious or indecisive state to commit a sexual act, it is considered sexual abuse.
How can I make a report?
Reporting can only be made in writing: on the online notification form at bejelentes@romkat.ro, by traditional mail (2 Episcop Márton Áron Street, Alba Iulia – 510010), or by signing a note made during a personal conversation . The report must include the reporting person’s first and last name, address (e-mail address in the case of online reporting, telephone number in the case of mail), and the identity of the victim and the perpetrator must be identifiable.
As an online report is considered official report, you can only make it by providing certain information and a brief description of the case you find offensive.
If possible, the report should include all the necessary details: the place and time of the act, the persons involved or informed, and any other circumstances that may help to ensure an accurate assessment of the act.
What happens if I make a report?
Your online report will be received by an expert committee of lay and clerical persons - the Human Dignity Workgroup - and, unless the suspicion is beyond reasonable doubt, the group will acknowledge receipt to the reporter within 48 hours and contact the reporter within 5 working days to examine the details of the case in a personal interview. Your personal involvement is required for the contact and the interview.
Because of its obligation to document the case, the committee will make a note of the report, which will be signed by both the reporter and the members of the expert group. The signature formalises the notification. The note shall not contain any prohibitive obligations for the notifier.
If the accusation in the report seems justified, a previous ecclesiastical investigation and, depending on the nature of the case, if the person is a cleric or monk, ecclesiastical criminal prosecution may be initiated against the party you have reported as the culprit. In addition to ecclesiastical prosecution, civil prosecution is also possible if the act is punishable under secular law.
Our service offers the victim civil legal aid, psychological counselling or therapy on request.
The report and the record of the personal interview will be deposited in the archdiocesan secret archives for safekeeping in accordance with Canon 489 of the Code of Canon Law. However, if the case requires, the material may be transmitted to the secular authorities.
Where can I get more help?
Further questions about the procedure can be sent to emberimeltosag@romkat.ro.
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Archbishop Dr. Gergely Kovács has entrusted the Human Dignity Workgroup with the investigation of cases of abuses against minors and vulnerable adults:
- Rita Kedves psychologist, catholic nurse
- Katalin Gál child protection specialist
- Gabriella Vargyas-Moni psychologist, family therapist
- Szabolcs Kovács secretary
- Dr. Endre Kiss spiritual director
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Downloadable and printable notification sheet (PDF)
Downloadable and computer fillable notification sheet (PDF)
Online reporting [Privacy Policy]
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