LA archdiocese to mark abuse prevention month with novena, parish gift kits

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Safeguard the Children Office is marking National Abuse Prevention Month by spearheading a monthlong initiative to raise awareness of child sex abuse and the fight to eradicate it this April.

“The goals for our initiatives are to shine a light on all we are doing already to protect children, prevent abuse, and support those harmed, to invite people to get involved, and to pray for all those impacted directly and indirectly by child abuse,” said the archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Ministry Coordinator Heather Banis.

Every parish in the archdiocese will receive a gift kit, which includes a candle and petitions to be read at Masses in April.

Safeguard the Children and the Victims Assistance Ministry are also coordinating a "Novena for Healing" for all those harmed by abuse, beginning April 22 and ending April 30.

For more information, visit protect.la-archdiocese.org.