Our Commitment
The Archdiocese of Suva is committed to providing safe, respectful, and welcoming environments for children, young people, vulnerable adults, clergy, religious, employees, volunteers, parishioners, and all who participate in the life and mission of the Church.
Abuse, exploitation, harassment, neglect, or any other behaviour that harms the dignity and safety of another person is not acceptable.
We encourage anyone who has experienced abuse, witnessed concerning behaviour, received a disclosure, or has concerns about the conduct of Church personnel to report the matter.
How to Make a Report
Reports and safeguarding concerns involving clergy, religious, employees, volunteers, parish workers, or other Church personnel may be sent to:
Email: confidential@aosfiji.org
Please use the subject line:
Confidential Safeguarding Report
You may make a report about:
- Abuse or suspected abuse of a child, young person, or vulnerable adult
- Sexual abuse, exploitation, or inappropriate sexual behaviour
- Physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual abuse
- Harassment, intimidation, bullying, or coercive behaviour
- Neglect or failure to protect a person from harm
- Grooming, boundary violations, or inappropriate communication
- Retaliation against a person who has raised a concern
- Any behaviour by Church personnel that may place another person at risk
Information to Include
When making a report, please provide as much information as you safely can, including:
- Your name and contact details, unless you wish to remain anonymous
- The name of the person affected
- The name and position of the person against whom the concern is being raised
- A clear description of what happened or what was disclosed
- The date, time, and location of the incident, where known
- Whether the person may currently be at risk
- Details of any witnesses or supporting information
- Whether the matter has already been reported to the police or another authority
You do not need to investigate the matter or establish proof before making a report. Please provide the information available to you and avoid confronting the person who has been accused.
When Someone Discloses Abuse to You
When a person tells you that they have experienced abuse:
- Listen calmly and respectfully.
- Take the disclosure seriously.
- Allow the person to speak in their own words.
- Do not ask leading or unnecessary questions.
- Do not promise complete secrecy.
- Do not attempt to investigate the allegation yourself.
- Record the information accurately as soon as possible.
- Report the matter promptly through the appropriate safeguarding process.
The safety, dignity, and wellbeing of the person making the disclosure must remain the first priority.
Immediate Danger
Where a child, vulnerable adult, or any other person is in immediate danger, requires urgent medical assistance, or may be at continuing risk of harm, contact the Fiji Police, emergency services, or the appropriate civil protection authority immediately.
Reporting a matter to the Archdiocese of Suva does not replace any legal obligation to report suspected criminal conduct or child protection concerns to the relevant civil authorities.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Reports will be handled sensitively and with respect for the dignity and privacy of everyone involved.
Information will be shared only with those who need it to assess the concern, protect affected persons, meet legal obligations, and support an appropriate response. Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information must be disclosed to protect a person from harm or comply with the law.
The Archdiocese of Suva will not tolerate intimidation, discrimination, or retaliation against any person who raises a safeguarding concern in good faith.
Support for Those Affected
The Archdiocese of Suva recognises that reporting abuse can be difficult and distressing. Persons making a report are encouraged to seek support from a trusted family member, counsellor, healthcare professional, legal adviser, or appropriate support service.
Pastoral support may be offered, but it does not replace professional counselling, medical treatment, legal advice, or an independent investigation by civil authorities.
False or Malicious Reports
All concerns raised in good faith will be treated seriously. Deliberately false or malicious accusations may cause significant harm and may be subject to appropriate action. This does not apply to reports made honestly where the allegation is later found to be unsubstantiated.
Contact
To report abuse or submit a confidential safeguarding concern, email:
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Suva
“Safeguarding the dignity, wellbeing, and safety of every person.”