Assistance Ministry Helps Abuse Victims Find Healing |TODAY|

Submitted by dan. on 2007-04-17 21:46.
Victim Support

Referred to as the "support hub" or "crisis central," the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry also works with the archdiocesan Department of Catholic Schools, the Vicar for Clergy, the Vicar for Women Religious as well as the Office of Safeguard the Children, the Office of Legal Counsel and the Office of Restorative Justice. The coordinated effort is aimed at proactively helping victims and communities to heal, holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, and preventing further abuse, said Sister McNiff.

The Office of Victims Assistance Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was created in April 2002 to deal with allegations of past or current sexual abuse by clergy, religious and any lay person working or volunteering for the archdiocese. The office was charged with creating a safe and compassionate environment for victims to come forward, while ensuring that civil authorities are notified and victims are provided counseling and other assistance in the healing process.

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