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Making a Report
Victim Assistance Coordinators are the first point of contact for adults who are reporting sexual abuse by a member of the clergy or other Archdiocesan representative. The sexual abuse occurred when the individual was a minor but it may be the first time the victim is reporting the abuse to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
The report may be taken during a face to face interview or the information can be discussed over the telephone. All allegations are received and reported to the proper law enforcement authorities unless the adult restricts the Coordinator from making the contact through written notification.
If the allegation is against an archdiocesan priest or deacon, the Office for Clergy will be notified and an investigation will begin. Any archdiocesan investigation will be conducted with respect for that being done by civil authorities and in accord with Canon Law. Results will be forwarded to the Archdiocesan Review Board whose work is explained here.
If there is a suspicion that a child is currently being sexually abused the Victim Assistance Coordinator will provide immediate assistance in making a report to the law enforcement authorities as well to Child Line, the State’s hotline for the protection of children, and other appropriate offices.
Licensed social workers who serve as Victim Assistance Coordinators work comprehensively and confidentially to assist victims in obtaining outpatient counseling, facilitate spiritual and mental health support services and maintain contact in order to insure that the counseling provided is helpful. We assist the victim and family members in filing a report of the sexual abuse and submitting that report to public authorities. Victim Assistance Coordinators are also here to provide survivors with valuable information and resources to promote healing, stability, and security.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse by a representative of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (includes priests, deacons, members of religious orders, teachers, employees, coaches and volunteers), you are asked to contact the Victim Assistance Coordinators.
Please call 1-888-800-8780 or send e-mail to philavac@adphila.org.
Write to:
Victim Assistance Program
c/o Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 N. 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103