Assistance for Victim Survivors
The Archdiocese of Seattle is focused on actively helping victim survivors seek healing - in addition to preventing the crime of abuse. To ensure we are hearing from victim survivors and appropriately responding to their needs, the Archdiocese of Seattle provides a Victim Assistance Coordinator.
How We Support
It takes courage to come forward to make a claim. We aim to create a safe space for people to share their experience and begin their healing process. Once a person makes a claim, we are committed to helping the victim survivor find healing. This healing process is different for everyone and we strive to find the path that works best for each individual.
Victim survivors who reach out are offered:
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- An in-person meeting with the Archbishop
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- Counseling with a professional, selected by the individual and paid for by the Archdiocese of Seattle
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- Support from the Victim Assistance Coordinator as needed
How it Works
Our experienced Victim Assistance Coordinator will speak directly with the person to understand the allegation while protecting the individual and their family's privacy. Depending on the situation, the police may be notified in addition to an investigation. The results of this are shared with the independent Archdiocesan Review Board, comprised of lay experts, for review. Depending on the circumstances, the Review Board will make recommendations to the Archbishop, which may include:
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- A follow-up investigation, which may or may not include the Vatican depending on the circumstances
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- Disciplinary recommendations
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- Changes to the public list of credibly accused clergy and religious brothers and sisters
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- No action if the claim is dropped or determined to be false
Victim Assistance Coordinator
“Sadly, ours is a world where abuse of all kinds afflicts innumerable lives. But abuse is never God’s plan; His great power and mercy are a source of grace for those who suffer in the aftermath of abuse, those who are harmed and brokenhearted. If this is you, I am here to help you on your journey. Taking the first step calls for great courage, but that one small step can connect you to a lifeline for restoration and hope, a renewed desire for dignity and interior peace; and in the end, true happiness.”
-Cathy Wiswell, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Cathy worked as a registered nurse in outpatient Obstetrics & Gynecology as well as Cardiology for nearly 20 years before starting work in the Church. She spent 10 years in parish administration and is blessed to have transitioned into Safe Environment and Victim Assistance in 2022.
Healing Ministry
Grounded in compassion, the Healing Ministry is a proactive effort to provide meaningful liturgical, pastoral and educational pathways to healing for individuals, families, and communities who have been harmed, especially by those working for and serving the Catholic Church.
As a resource to parishes, Catholic schools, seminarians and clergy, the ministry provides additional education and training on recognizing the signs of abuse, abuse prevention and trauma-sensitive pastoral competencies.
For more information, please click here or contact us at:
krystyna.davila@seattlearch.org
The Archdiocese of Seattle is committed to protecting all of God's people and healing those who have been abused by representatives of the Catholic Church.
Abuse Helpline: 800-446-7762
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