Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is investigating alleged sexual abuse and assault by Catholic priests from 1950 to the present for all seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan, according to a Freedom of Information Act request.

The investigation, which opened in August 2018, includes religious order priests who have worked in Michigan.

In addition, the investigation will include any allegations related to the cover-up of sexual abuse or assault.

The Archdiocese of Detroit said it welcomes the investigation, acknowledging it as the "next phase of our commitment to transparency and healing." Read their full statement below:

The Archdiocese of Detroit welcomes the Attorney General's investigation and is prepared to fully cooperate. We have worked closely with authorities from all six counties within our archdiocese since 2002, when we shared past case files involving clergy misconduct and committed to turning over all new allegations regardless of when the alleged abuse occurred. The Attorney General investigation is the next phase of our commitment to transparency and healing. We have full confidence in our safe environment policies put in place and carefully followed for more than 15 years. We remain committed to protecting everyone – especially children and vulnerable adults – and therefore look forward to working closely with officials to determine if there is more we can do to accomplish this goal.

The department has established two ways for victims or those with information to report alleged sexual misconduct. A website, michigan.gov/CI, has been established for confidential reporting. Second, the department's investigation hotline can be reached at 844-324-3374.