The Archdiocese of Santa Fe is firmly committed to protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm. Our Victim Assistance and Safe Environment Program exists to prevent abuse, support healing, and ensure safe environments throughout our Catholic community.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by clergy, church employees, or volunteers, we urge you to report it immediately. Contact law enforcement first. Then notify our Victim Assistance Coordinator, Annette Klimka, LMSW, at 505-831-8144 or [email protected]. We are here to help, no matter when the abuse occurred.
When abuse is reported, we take swift action to protect victims and prevent further harm. Our Victim Assistance Coordinator provides compassionate support, connects survivors with counseling and other resources, and helps navigate the reporting process. We cooperate fully with law enforcement investigations.
We require all clergy, employees, and volunteers who work with minors to complete abuse awareness training and background checks. Our Safe Environment workshops teach adults to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately to disclosures, and create environments that protect the vulnerable. We also provide age-appropriate safety education for children and youth through the Circle of Grace program.
Our sexual misconduct policy, first established in 1990 and regularly updated, provides comprehensive guidelines for prevention, reporting, and response. The policy requires immediate reporting of abuse to law enforcement and removes accused perpetrators from ministry while allegations are investigated. We follow the U.S. Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and undergo annual audits of our compliance.
We acknowledge the devastating impact of clergy sexual abuse and express profound sorrow for the suffering caused. Through prayer, pastoral care, and concrete actions to protect the vulnerable, we strive to support healing while ensuring abuse never happens again. The Archdiocese maintains a public list of credibly accused clergy and provides updates on our child protection efforts.
To report abuse, get support, or learn about our Safe Environment Program:
For immediate danger or abuse in progress, always call 911 first.
We are sensitive to cultural diversity and can provide contacts from your cultural community when requested. All reports are handled with strict confidentiality and care for the dignity of survivors.
The Archdiocese of Santa Fe stands firm in our commitment to protect the vulnerable, support survivors, and maintain safe environments where faith can flourish. Together, we must remain vigilant in preventing abuse and responding with compassion when harm occurs.