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We are here to offer support and healing.
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Office for Victim Assistance
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, Rita Flaherty, at (412) 456-3060, or toll free at 1-888-808-1235.
Office for Accompaniment
If you are a victim/survivor of abuse, the diocese wants to help you heal emotionally and spiritually. Whether you are an active Catholic or you have left the Church, we offer assistance with counseling, spiritual direction and referrals to other supportive services. To learn more about these services, contact Mimika Garesche at (412) 456-3093.
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Contact US
- Office for Victim Assistance
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Sr. Anna Marie Gaglia, CSJagagliadiopitt.orgDirector of the Office for Victim Assistance
- Office for Accompaniment
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Mimika Gareschemgareschediopitt.orgDirector of the Office for Accompaniment
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Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program
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IRCP Documents
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In January 2019, the Diocese of Pittsburgh establishment of a voluntary Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) that will seek to promote healing by providing compensation to victim-survivors of abuse by priests or deacons of the diocese.
The deadline to submit claims to the IRCP was September 30, 2019. A final IRCP report will be available in January 2020.
Read Bishop Zubik's statement announcing the creation of the fund here.
To learn more about the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program visit
www.PittsburghDioceseIRCP.com.
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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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