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
"It takes great courage and resolve to share your story, but doing so may be incredibly beneficial for your healing process. I encourage anyone who has a story to share, to please come forward. We are here to help you on your journey toward healing."
-Sue Moreland, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Sue is a psychotherapist with more than 20 years experience working with patients. She specializes in treating trauma.
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 contact Sue Moreland. at Sue.Moreland@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
© 2024 Archdiocese of Seattle