Antecedents
The inadequate and inopportune response of the ecclesial authorities to the denunciations of sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence, characterized by indifference in listening, attention and accompaniment, as well as the lack of transparency and accountability, is what a great number of victims/survivors and their families have had to face.
Listening, caring and accompanying is the first requirement of what it means to act God’s mercy and justice in those who have suffered the scourge of sexual abuse.
Responding to the needs of each victim/survivor, putting them at the center and going out to meet them, is the only palpable and objective expression of a real improvement in the management and treatment of each person who denounces.
This is the raison d’être, according to the mandate of Pope Francis, of the creation, development and implementation of the Memorare Program.
Mission
Prevention
Prevention of sexual abuse of minors and vulnerable adults inside and outside the Church.
Protection
Protection for abused children and adults
Supervision
Oversight and assurance of compliance with standards and guidelines, by an entity jointly managed by the local church and the commission.
Response
Adequate and timely response to victims of sexual abuse and their families.
Safeguarding Programs
Establishment of peer-reviewed safeguarding and training
programs and recognition of basic standards of behavior when interacting with vulnerable people.
Subsidiarity
The Commission and the local churches develop a set of response protocols, codes of conduct and best practices for ti creation of Safe Environments.