The National Office for Professional Standards (NOPS) investigates complaints about sexual abuse by a member of the Catholic Church clergy or congregation.
The principles and procedures of investigating complaints is set out in a document called ‘Te Houhanga Rongo - A Path to Healingopen_in_new’.
But what redress the Church might offer, if any, will be different depending on the bishop or congregational leader.
Making a claim can bring up a range of emotions. Learn where you can find support to help you before, during, and after this process.
You can contact NOPS if your complaint is about sexual abuse by:
You can contact them by:
If you prefer, you can have a lawyer, counsellor or advocate do this on your behalf.
If NOPS thinks your complaint does not fit their definition of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, they will (with your consent) refer your complaint to the appropriate diocese or religious congregation leader.
The definitions of sexual abuse and sexual misconduct are on page 5 of ‘Te Houhanga Rongo - A Path to Healingopen_in_new’.If your complaint fits the criteria of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, they will appoint an independent investigator and arrange a face-to-face meeting between you and the investigator. You can bring a support person or your lawyer with you to the meeting.
The investigator will look at any relevant records the Church holds and interview the alleged abuser (if they agree to be interviewed) and other people who might have relevant information.
The investigator will then write a report and give it to the Complaints Assessment Committee.
The Complaints Assessment Committee will decide if they recommend that the Bishop or Congregation Leader should uphold your complaint, and how they should resolve it.
The Bishop or Congregation Leader will tell you in writing about their decision and may offer to meet with you to discuss how to resolve the complaint.
What redress you are offered get will be different depending on the diocese, or congregation.
Redress could be in the form of:
Unfortunately, what is offered, if anything, will be different for each organisation.