Victim Assistance

The Office of Victim Assistance has a designated Victim Assistance Coordinator who serves as the liaison between the Diocese and individuals who report allegations of sexual misconduct of a member of the clergy or other diocesan employees and volunteers.  The Coordinator’s primary role is to:

• Promptly inform the alleged victim of his/her rights and obligations; 

• To organize pastoral and spiritual care to individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct in the past or present by a member of the clergy or by a diocesan employee or volunteer; to the individual’s immediate families, and the affected faith communities;  

• Coordinate  reimbursement for mental health and spiritual counseling consistent with established diocesan processes and procedures;

• Serve as the victim’s point of contact explaining Diocesan policies and reporting.

ADULTS REPORTING PAST ABUSE

All individuals who wish to report allegations of sexual abuse must complete the Complaint of Abuse Form.  Contact the diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Jacqueline Bressette at 315.470.1465 or [email protected]  with questions about the form.