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Victim Assistance
Victim Assistance Coordinators have been the first point of contact for victims since 2002. Learning of the life long impact sexual abuse has on the lives of victims and their loved ones, Cardinal Rigali has taken steps to enhance the Victim Assistance Program. The Victim Assistance Program provides a number of services.
* Making a Formal Report - Victim Assistance Coordinators provide confidential assistance to victims who are making a report of sex abuse to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. For more information click here.
* Outpatient Counseling - Victim Assistance Coordinators provide assistance in locating and accessing outpatient therapy and related psychiatric services. Victim Assistance Coordinators also address barriers to participation in therapy such as child care and transportation costs. For more information on New Guidelines to Access Counseling Services click here.
* Social Service - Victim Assistance Coordinators will assist in locating and accessing financial, vocational, housing, and other needed services through referral and case management.
* Pastoral Support and Counseling - Victim Assistance Coordinators will provide assistance to victims and families who are seeking spiritual guidance. Coordinators also arrange and facilitate pastoral meetings with Cardinal Rigali.
Outreach is a priority. Victim Assistance Coordinators will make home visits and are available to the community as a resource.
Updates
In January 2006 Cardinal Rigali hired Mary Achilles as the Victim Advocate and Consultant to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Ms. Achilles served as the first Victim Advocate for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania holding the position from 1995 to 2005. Ms. Achilles brings twenty years of experience in service to victims of crime. She is committed to providing compassionate care that promotes healing for victims and their loved ones. Click here for more informationKaren Becker was named the first Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection in April. Mrs. Becker has 27 years of experience working in Catholic Social Services and provided victim assistance services since the program’s inception in 2002. She seeks to provide comprehensive services to victims and their families hoping that through counseling and supportive services we can promote an improved sense of stability, security, and well being throughout the healing process. Click here for more information.