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We are here to offer support and healing
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The Church’s first obligation to victim/survivors of abuse is to assist with healing, and to do all in our power to ensure that abuse does not recur. The Diocese of Pittsburgh continues to reach out to every person who has been a victim of child sexual abuse by anyone who represents the Church, whether that abuse is recent or occurred in the past.
Victims of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or individual representing the Diocese of Pittsburgh can contact the victims' assistance coordinator, Laetitia Bridges, at (412) 456-3093, or toll free at 1-888-808-1235.
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Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program
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IRCP Documents
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The Kenneth Feinberg Group has completed its administration of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. Since the opening of the fund in 2019, the fund administrators have awarded more than $19 million to victims/survivors in 224 cases that occurred over many decades, with the vast majority prior to 1990.
“My heart continues to grieve for the victims of childhood sexual abuse, especially those abused by clergy, the very people who were ordained to guide them to a life of holiness,” Bishop David Zubik said. “It is my prayer that this compensation will provide support that victims/survivors need on their path toward healing.”
As Bishop Zubik indicated when he announced the creation of the IRCP, no monies were taken from parishes or schools, or the Campaign for the Church Alive, or from the sale of parish assets. Rather, all funds were obtained from sources within the church. Among them were sale of historical diocesan assets, such as the Saint Joseph Protectory property; insurance reserves and the closure of the downtown pastoral center. To learn more about the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program visit www.PittsburghDioceseIRCP.com.
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IRCP News Releases
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December 3
The Kenneth Feinberg Group has completed its administration of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. Since the opening of the fund in 2019, the fund administrators have awarded more than $19 million to victims/survivors in 224 cases that occurred over many decades, with the vast majority prior to 1990.Read More -
January 22
January 22, 2019: The voluntary Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) for victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse that the Diocese of Pittsburgh established last month goes live today.Read More -
November 8
November 8, 2018: The Diocese of Pittsburgh is establishing an independently administered survivors’ compensation program to aid those who suffered abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy.Read More
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Resources for Healing
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Faith, Prayer, and Healing Resources
- Word on Fire: Resources for the Sexual Abuse Crisis
- Lifeteen: The Darkness of Scandal and the Light of Christ
- Prayer for Healing Victims of Abuse- English and Spanish prayer cards
- Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Sexual Abuse
- USCCB: Child and Youth Protection Resources
- A Novena of Saints for a Church in Crisis
- Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
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Testimony
"After years of hurt and anger, I broke my silence and reached out to this Church for help. What I found surprised me: caring Catholics who weren't afraid to hear my story and share my pain. They taught me to trust again, restoring my wounded faith. With their help and God's grace, I experienced the healing I'd longed for. Forgiveness dispelled anger, love washed away pain, and dignity replaced shame. If you or a loved one has been hurt - even if you've left the Church - I pray you will reach out to this Diocese for help. You don't have to carry your burden alone." – Victim of Abuse
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Restoring Sanctuary
By: T. Pitt Green
This book, written by a survivor, is a reflection on her faith journey in healing from abuse from a predator priest. It is instructive and helpful in a compassionate and witty story. Other survivors of abuse say it has been helpful to their journey. This also may be helpful for priests or others who serve the church in helping professions.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
By: Bessel van der Kolk, M.D
A pioneering researcher transforms the understanding of trauma and offers a bold new model for healing in this New York Times bestseller
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Note: this information is provided as options solely for responding to the clergy sex abuse crisis. Providing this information does not necessarily endorse the website, its content, or sponsoring organizations.
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Contact US
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Laetitia Bridgeslbridgesdiopitt.orgDirector of Victim Assistance Ministry
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