RICHMOND, Va. — Days after six new names were added to the list of clergy who have allegations against them of credible and substantiated accusations of sexual abuse of a minor, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced Monday a new hotline.
Bishop Barry C. Knestout, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, has announced the start of EthicsPoint, an independent, third-party platform for reporting suspected misconduct within the diocese. However, the new hotline is not intended to receive information about sexual abuse.
“The Diocese of Richmond has already established effective standards for expectations of responsible and professional employee conduct in our Code of Conduct,” said Bishop Knestout. “But, we must always be willing to adapt and improve ourselves when necessary.”
EthicsPoint went into effect on Monday, and it offers a completely confidential platform that allows any employee, parishioner, clergy, volunteer or other interested parties of the diocese to anonymously submit concerns about suspected unethical behavior, misuse of resources or financial misconduct.
Reports can be made online or over the phone at 1-844-739-3210.
Abuse allegations should be reported directly to local law enforcement, including Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-552-7096 and by calling the Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Hotline at 1-833-454-9064.