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By Jennifer Barton, Rhode Island Catholic Correspondent - PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence places the highest priority on protecting children and minors. For more than 20 years, members of the Diocesan Advisory Board for the Protection of Children and Young People have served in an advisory capacity, aiding the bishop in this crucial work. (Photos: RI Catholic/Diocese of Providence)

Child sexual abuse poisons all segments of society - families, schools, churches, community organizations, and health and welfare institutions. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 7 children in the United States experiences some form of childhood sexual abuse or neglect. That number is heartbreaking and cries out for a response.

Amid turmoil and trials, pain and suffering, war and violence, poverty and disease, our world needs a reminder of the hope of the Resurrection, which we just celebrated with exultant joy this Easter. This is especially true during April, which is child abuse prevention month. There’s no avoiding the painful reality that reports about child sex abuse within schools, families, and churches are reminders of past failures to protect young people. They are occasions of great pain and suffering that call for justice and healing.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. As we raise awareness around the protection of young people, I would like to share with you my own experiences both here in the Diocese of Providence and in the wider Church. You may already be familiar with some or all of what I will say, but the importance of this topic bears repeating, and I invite your response and active participation as the People of God.

At the direction of Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, the Diocese of Providence on July 1 published on its website...