The Society of the Divine Word actively promotes the protection of children. In 2020, Praesidium, an independent organization, audited the Southern Province and found that the province is in compliance with the highest current national standards for protecting children.

In granting accreditation, Praesidium stated, "They have acted upon the call to more accountability and transparency in how to protect children, handle allegations of sexual abuse, reach out to victims, and supervise members who have sexually abused."

If you or someone you know suspects sexual abuse of a minor by a Divine Word priest or brother, please read the following guidelines. The guidelines outline how to report an allegation and the procedures that will follow.

How the Society of the Divine Word Responds to an Allegation

The Society of the Divine Word takes all allegations of sexual abuse of a minor very seriously. Upon receiving such an allegation, the Provincial Superior of the Southern Province will initiate several steps in response to the allegation.  
1. Any new allegation of sexual abuse of a minor that may have been committed by a Member or other agent of the Province shall be promptly reported to civil authorities in the jurisdiction in which the alleged incident occurred.
A. Allegations of sexual abuse of a minor will be reported to civil authorities regardless of whether the accused Member is living or dead, or whether he is a current or former Member of the Province.

B. Allegations of sexual abuse of a minor will be reported to civil authorities regardless of whether the alleged victim’s identity is known.

C. Only if the following criteria are present can an exception to the reporting requirement be made:
i. An adult is making the allegation about an incident that that occurred when he or she was a minor and for which the statute of limitations has clearly run its course, and the person objects to having it reported;
ii. State law requirements are followed;

iii. The person was advised of his / her right to report the incident, and encouraged to do so.
2. Allegations of sexual abuse of a minor will be reported to civil authorities regardless of whether the allegations are believed to be likely to be established at the time they are received.

3. Counseling services will be offered.  A trained professional will listen to and offer help to the victim and others affected by the abuse, including the services of appropriate psychological counseling and other resources that may be helpful.

4. The Province, through an independent investigator, will respond swiftly to evaluate and investigate any accusation of sexual abuse of a minor perpetrated by a member of the Society of the Divine Word. Any such investigation will be conducted with respect for any investigation being conducted by civil authorities.

5. Any member of the Society of the Divine Word who has engaged in the sexual abuse of a minor will be permanently removed from any public ministry and placed in a restricted and supervised environment.

6. This entire matter including the allegation, investigation, response to the victim and restrictions placed on the perpetrator will be presented to the Southern Province Sexual Abuse Review Board. This independent, interdisciplinary Board of lay professionals advises the Provincial on all matters related to sexual abuse perpetrated by a member of the Southern Province. All aspects of the Province’s response will be reviewed by the Board in order to determine if further action is advisable.

                                                                                                                       Mk 10:14