BRIDGEPORT—For the past few weeks, for the first time in the diocese, VIRTUS classes are being held virtually, said Erin Neil, Director of Safe Environment & Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese.
It’s not business as usual, but with several construction and renovation projects along with other essential activities continuing throughout the diocese, the need for Virtus training is ongoing both during the crisis and as schools and parishes prepare for the eventual reopening of the state, she said.
As projects on church and school campuses continue with such work as painting, plumbing, roofing and cleaning, Neil said it is mandated that everyone on school or church property, must first be VIRTUS trained as part of the diocese’s Child Protection and abuse prevention program.
This innovative move to online training has also opened an opportunity for contractors on renovation projects to receive the proper training while gathered on the job site.
Neil said VIRTUS programs are designed to help prevent wrongdoing and promote “rightdoing” within religious organizations. The VIRTUS programs empower organizations and people to better control risk and improve the lives of all those who interact with the Church.
To accomplish the task of training individuals while social distancing is in effect, the Church like many organizations around the world has turned to technology and virtual meetings.
Neil and her staff have been coordinating online VIRTUS classes through Zoom to help keep projects on schedule and ready a team of volunteers eager to help in various ways throughout the diocese when activities resume.
“We are able to do the class while there are a group of contractors on a bench watching the child safety course,” said Neil, adding that this arrangement offers convenience and ensures everyone is properly trained.
Moving classes online also allows peers to take the class at the same time at home as well.
After successfully registering for a session online, the registrant receives a Zoom invitation by email with a link to click on to join the training at a certain time.
For people who don’t have access to technology, they can delay VIRTUS training to a later date. In-person classes will once again be offered when the restrictions on gatherings are lifted.
In the meantime, Zoom classes have not only offered a new way for people to participate but it has also given many a glimpse into the lives of others that they may not have had otherwise.
The surprise visit of a family member, specifically a family pet, is often a welcome and heartwarming conversation starter.
“If you see my cat in the background, don’t be alarmed, she likes to jump around and be on camera,” said Diane Scott, Safe Environment Program Assistant and a recent facilitator of a VIRTUS training session.
“I’ve never had this many people in my living room,” Scott joked, just before starting a traditional roll call of attendees. “Welcome to my home,” she said.
“We won’t make a mess,” a participant responded amid laughter from the group.
The friendly banter is a pleasant way to begin the meeting before the more serious discussions of protecting against child abuse or the abuse of vulnerable adults.
Of course, the in-person class experience is more personal and preferred, especially if a person recalls or needs to report an allegation of abuse. The Diocese has professionals on stand-by to help anyone by phone.
The course not only helps educate people about the types of behavior to look out for, but it helps attendees spread the word about resources that are available to other organizations as well. For instance, many attending the class inquired about using this program in public school systems.
This is probably the way to go forward,” Neil said, referring to offering online instruction in addition to in-person classes. “It’s a wonderful way to bring people together during this time while we are socially distant.”
The Safe Environment Office of the diocese is always available to assist anyone who is a survivor of abuse as a minor or as a vulnerable adult by a person from the Church. Contact Erin Neil, L.C.S.W, Victim Assistance Coordinator 203.650.3265 or the survivor and witness hotline at www.light-house-services.com/diobpt or 833.990.0004. To register for a VIRTUS class go to www.virtusonline.org.
By Kathy-Ann Gobin
