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supporting survivors in the diocese of oakland
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A message from Bishop Barber
"I renew our offer of counseling, therapy, support and outreach to survivors. The Diocese has worked with survivors of sexual abuse since the 1990s. ... I have met with survivors personally. I have seen and heard their pain. I have witnessed the damage abusers have committed. ... I pray the public acknowledgement of the sinful actions on the part of some priests will help many of us to find healing and hope, to restore our trust in the Church, and to repair the damage caused to the reputation of so many good priests. The needs of victims and survivors, and the protection of children and vulnerable adults is our first priority." (Feb. 18, 2019)
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contact us
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dpetersonoakdiocese.orgCoordinator, Office of Victims Assistance -
Survivor Advocacy & Hotlinesurvivorsoakdiocese.org
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survivor ministry is here for you
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The Ministry for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse was established from a dialogue between survivors and church leadership. Out of that dialogue came the realization that for some survivors the Catholic Church must be a willing participant in the healing process. The dynamics of Clergy Sexual Abuse parallel that of sexual molestation in a family setting, which includes the victim (the survivor), the abuser (the priest or member of the clergy) and the mother (in this case "Mother" Church). Inherent in the healing process is the need for "Mother" Church to be accountable, which means to intervene and break the cycle of denial, protect and support those who have been victimized, and confront the abusers residing in its commission.
Our ministry includes survivors of clergy sexual abuse, working together with members of the clergy who are willing to open themselves to the devastating experience of what it means to be sexually abused by a priest or member of the clergy. Together, hand in hand, we work as advocates for victims to bring Support, Empowerment and Hope to lives tragically altered by the debilitating legacy of Clergy sexual abuse.
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Clergy sexual abuse occurs when sexual activity of any kind is enacted by a priest or deacon, thereby abusing the power and authority of the pastoral role committed to the priest or deacon and violating the rights and dignity of the persons affected by such misconduct. The fundamental dynamic at the heart of clergy sexual abuse is that of an abuse of power.
Anyone may potentially be victimized by clergy sexual abuse. This includes not only minors, but also young adults and adults, both male and female.
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quick links
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goals
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support survivors
Provide church leaders with the tools to develop support, promote healing and generate empowerment for survivors in the church community.
- Offer counseling and spiritual direction to survivors of clergy abuse and their families.
- Build acceptance for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in the church community. Confirm survivors of clergy abuse are valued members of our community.
For information about support groups for victims of clergy sexual abuse, contact Sr. Dorothy Peterson, Coordinator of Office of Victim's Assistance. 510.267.8344 or write to [email protected]
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education
Educate clergy, church employees, and the church community around the
realities of clergy sexual abuse.- Through workshops and presentations bring the community to an awareness of the issues surrounding clergy sexual abuse.
- Provide opportunities for survivors to tell their stories in order to affect attitudes regarding clergy sexual abuse
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Procedures
Ensure Church policies of the Diocese of Oakland are designed and implemented to guarantee offenders accept responsibility, and are made accountable for their abuse of power.
- Reporting incidents of clergy sexual abuse will be confidential, conducted with sensitivity, and made as painless to the survivor and their family as possible.
- Periodically review, update and recommend changes in current sexual abuse policies.
- Work to have a survivor of clergy sexual abuse on the Diocesan Review Board.
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