RI State Police Announce New Clergy Sex Abuse Phone Line

NORTH SCITUATE— Rhode Island State Police urge victims or anyone with information to call a new telephone line within the Major Crimes Unit dedicated to clergy sex abuse.

The number to call is (401) 764-0142. They can also contact Day One, an advocacy organization for victims of sexual abuse at (401) 421-4100 x444.

On July 23, the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General, in partnership with the Rhode Island State Police announced a joint review of records related to reports of childhood sexual abuse collected by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence dating as far back as the 1950s.

The review was initiated in response to the publication of the “Response to the Abuse Crisis” document released by the Diocese of Providence on July 1, 2019, which listed the names of “credibly accused clergy,” according to a statement from the RI State Police.

The examination of records is on-going and is intended to identify any potential prosecutable cases as well as provide input into improving policies and procedures with respect to sexual abuse allegations and prevention, according to the statement.

As part of this effort, State Police are urging victims or informants to call the new telephone line.