This ongoing program strengthens the stringent policies and procedures that the Diocese has had in place for more than a decade. Children in grades K‐12 receive Child Abuse Prevention programming in our Catholic schools and in our Parish Religious Education programs through the Circle of Grace curriculum. This national program teaches children to:

• define their physical Circle of Grace;
• maintain appropriate physical, emotional, spiritual and sexual boundaries;
• recognize boundary violations when they are about to occur;
• take action when boundaries are threatened or violated.
  

Additional information on the Diocese Safe Environment programs and other resources can be found on the website at www.dow.org.

The Diocese of Winona will provide a prompt, appropriate and compassionate response to reporters of sexual abuse of a child by any diocesan agent (employees, volunteers, vendors, religious or clergy). Anyone wishing to make a report of an allegation of sexual abuse should call the Victim Assistance Coordinator at (507) 454-2270, Extension 255. A caller will be asked to provide his or her name and telephone number. Individuals are also encouraged to take their reports directly to civil authorities. The Diocese of Winona is committed to protecting children, young people and other vulnerable people in our schools, parishes and ministries. The diocesan policy is available on the diocesan web site at www.dow.org under the Safe Environment Program. If you have any questions about the Diocese of Winona's implementation of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People, please contact Mary Hamann, at (507) 858-1244, or mhamann@dow.org.