Abuse Response
Abuse Response Legal Support for Churches and Religious Organizations
At The Acacia Group, we provide strategic legal counsel to churches, charities, non-profit, and faith-based organizations navigating the complex and sensitive process of responding to allegations or incidents of abuse within their communities. We understand the serious legal, reputational, and pastoral implications such matters carry, and we are committed to supporting organizations in handling them with the utmost care, integrity, and professionalism.
We also recognize that abuse not only causes deep harm to the survivor but can destabilize and traumatize the entire faith community. In particular, leadership may experience a profound sense of disorientation and distress – especially when the alleged abuser is a trusted member of the congregation or community.
A Comprehensive Legal Framework for Response
When abuse is alleged or disclosed, our legal team works closely with boards, senior leadership, and staff to ensure that the organization’s response is:
- Legally compliant with applicable reporting and disclosure obligations under provincial and federal law;
- Aligned with internal governance documents and denominational and/or institutional policies;
- Survivor-sensitive and trauma-informed, upholding the dignity and safety of those affected;
- Coordinated across legal, communications, human resources, and insurance channels to ensure consistency and accuracy;
- Strategically managed to address reputational risk, public relations, and internal communications, including with membership and, where necessary, the media.
Our Legal and Communications Services Include:
- An assessment of the organization’s duties and obligations pursuant to applicable provincial and federal law;
- Guidance on mandatory reporting to law enforcement, child protection authorities, or regulatory bodies;
- Coordination with insurers and coverage counsel;
- Assistance with employment and occupational health and safety concerns;
- Advice on communications strategy, both internal and external;
- Compliance with bylaws, policies, and denominational and/or institutional governance;
- Conducting or overseeing internal investigations, or assisting in the retention of an independent third-party investigator where appropriate;
- Advice on policy and procedure to minimize the risk of future abuse and provide support for the survivor;
- Long-term strategic support and legal risk management for leadership teams;
- Legal representation, where necessary, before provincial and appellate courts for civil actions related to abuse allegations.
Ongoing Commitment to Best Practices
Our team is committed to ongoing professional development in the areas of abuse response, survivor care, and trauma-informed legal practice. We regularly engage in specialized training and continuing education to ensure our legal services reflect current best practices and evolving standards in this critical area. This commitment strengthens our ability to provide informed, sensitive, and effective counsel to our clients.
Trusted Legal Counsel in a Sensitive Time
Our team understands the unique challenges faced by churches and Christian organizations in responding to abuse. We offer experienced guidance rooted in a deep understanding of the legal, ethical, theological, and organizational dimensions of these situations.
We recognize that the path forward is not always clear. We are here to help you make informed decisions that prioritize legal compliance, organizational integrity, and the care and protection of individuals.
Contact Us
If your church or organization is facing an abuse-related issue or needs assistance developing policies and protocols to prepare for future concerns, contact us in confidence. We are here to support you with diligence, discretion, and care.