5.0 Sexual Misconduct involving Minors and/or Vulnerable Adults can cause serious and continuing emotional and psychological problems for the victim. Therefore, the Archdiocese is committed to providing victims of such misconduct with appropriate professional assistance to address these consequences of Sexual Misconduct by any Personnel of the Archdiocese.
The Archbishop will appoint a Victim Assistance Coordinator, who will be charged with providing pastoral care, support and resources to victims/survivors of Sexual Misconduct by Personnel of the Archdiocese of Hartford and will be responsible for receiving notification of all allegations of Sexual Misconduct involving a Minor or Vulnerable Adult-directed against Personnel of the Archdiocese. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will advise the alleged victim of his/her rights and the procedures to be implemented under this Policy.
- All victims/survivors are offered the opportunity, if they so choose, to meet with Archbishop Blair.
- Counseling and therapy both psychological and spiritual, opportunity for prayer, Masses for Healing are offered.
Outreach to Affected Parishes/Schools
The Victim Assistance Coordinator will be responsible for causing immediate steps to be taken to assist and support parish and/or school communities directly affected by Sexual Misconduct involving Minors or Vulnerable Adults by Personnel of the Archdiocese. This outreach may be accomplished by competent counselors or social workers employed or designated by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese or other competent professionals under the direction of the Victim Assistance Coordinator. The outreach may consist of a parish and/or school meeting at the affected parish/school, an offer of counseling to members of the affected community, explanation of the response process and informing the affected community of the action taken in response to the allegation.