Complaints of Clergy Abuse

The California Department of Justice is seeking information on reports of abuse by members of the clergy or religious organizations within California. We have established a complaint process to report incidents of abuse.

Information provided through this complaint process will be reviewed by the California Department of Justice. Information is confidential under California law but may be shared with law enforcement. If you would like to submit information but do not wish to use the complaint form, please email ClergyAbuse@doj.ca.gov. We recommend you also provide information on potential criminal conduct to local law enforcement directly. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact local law enforcement by calling 9-1-1.

Please note that a complaint submitted here does not excuse any mandatory reporter listed in Penal Code § 11166.7 from complying with the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Please also note: The California Department of Justice cannot answer legal questions or give legal advice to individuals and does not generally intervene in individual cases. However, we thoroughly review each and every complaint submitted to our office and, where appropriate, we may refer complaints to local authorities.

Your Information
Your complaint
Who is the subject of your complaint (if known)?
Incident(s) of abuse by subject(s) of this complaint:
Department of Justice Role Disclaimer

In sending this complaint, I understand that the Department of Justice cannot answer legal questions or give legal advice to me and cannot act as my personal lawyer. I also understand that the Department of Justice may not intervene in an ongoing proceeding. I also understand that the Department of Justice may need to refer my complaint to a more appropriate agency.