CRISIS REPORT
Release of the Report “To Understand and to Heal”
Published on June 26, 2023
The Brothers of Saint John
are committed to helping victims
and ending abuse.
Sexual misconduct of any kind by a Brother of Saint John is not acceptable.
The Congregation is prepared to act swiftly, to investigate accusations thoroughly, to take appropriate actions, and to help victims and their families. In addition, the Brothers have established preventative measures to try to avoid this type of behavior from happening such as psychological evaluation prior to Brothers entering, safe environment practices, and training for the Brothers.
What Constitutes Inappropriate Behavior?
Inappropriate behavior is not only with minors. The Brothers especially would like to be notified if any of the following inappropriate behaviors have been undertaken by a Brother of Saint John. Of course, any behavior by a Brother that made you or someone you know uncomfortable may also be reported and investigated.
- Unwanted sexualized conduct in an employment, ministry, volunteer, or other setting
- Sexual advances or propositions by a Brother
- Sexually charged words to describe or degrade an individual and his/her body or body parts
- The offer for or actual special treatment in exchange for sexual behavior or actions
- Inappropriate jokes, sexual innuendo, suggestive comments, description of fantasies, etc.
- Sexual contact between a Brother and someone he was serving
- Inappropriately long touching, hugs, or physical contact
- Kissing on the lips when not appropriate or culturally acceptable
- Showing or giving sexually suggestive gifts or items such as nude photos/pornography, lingerie, or body parts.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Allegations can be reported directly to the Provincial Prior or any member of the Brothers of Saint John who will then report it to the Provincial Prior:
Father Jesus Rodriguez
Provincial Prior
Telephone: 862-252-5984
Email: provincial-america@stjean.com
Post-Reporting Proceedings
Every accusation is investigated. The Brothers undertake this process with the utmost care for the victim by engaging both the internal resources of the Congregation as well as third-party resources and law-enforcement personnel when appropriate.
As previously mentioned, the investigative committee includes not only Brothers from the Congregation, but also independent investigators and lay personnel who ensure that these matters are handled with the appropriate level of care and are not ignored. The nature of this investigative body ensures that if a Brother were to be found guilty of sexual abuse, the appropriate civil and canonical actions would follow.
