AUSTIN, Texas — All 15 Catholic diocese in Texas are expected to release lists Thursday of clergy members who have been "credibly accused" of sexually abusing a minor since 1950.
If you are a victim or are aware of abuse that took place at an Austin area Catholic church, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore advises that you file a complaint to police, who would have to investigate the case.
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Here are the requirements for reporting abuse of minors or vulnerable adults, according to the Austin Diocese:
- In accordance with Texas law, any citizen who has cause to believe a minor or vulnerable adult is being, or may have been, abused, is required to report the information to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) or local police. The TDFPS 24-hour hotline is 1-800-252-5400. A report can also be made on their website here.
- The alleged abuse investigations is the responsibility of civil authorities. Church personnel should not conduct any investigation of abuse allegations unless directed to do so by civil authorities.
- Reports of suspected or known abuse may be made anonymously to civil and diocesan authorities, unless otherwise required to be disclosed by canon law or State of Texas law. However, disclosure of the informant’s name may be necessary to conduct an appropriate investigation or take other action.
You can also call Ileana Hinojosa, who works for the Diocese of Austin, to report suspicions of child abuse. You can call Hinojosa at 512-949-2400 or email her at ileana-hinojosa@austindiocese.org.
For a full list of who you can report Catholic church abuse to in Texas, click here.