There are several ways that those who have suffered abuse can obtain meaningful assistance. The Leadership Team stands ready to support anyone in the Santa Barbara area who needs help contacting individuals or organizations who can assist with recovery. We recommend that victims start their recovery process by contacting any of the following organizations, whether by phone or by e-mail:

1. The Archdiocesan Sexual Abuse Assistance Ministry

INFORMATION ABOUT THE HOTLINE

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles offers an Assistance Ministry, reachable at this toll-free hotline:

Its function is not only to facilitate reports of suspected abuse of minors or misconduct with adults, as is explained on the Archdiocesan Web site at http://www.archdiocese.la/protecting/, but also to assist adult survivors of abuse in a variety of ways.

The Archdiocesan Sexual Abuse Assistance Ministry Coordinator

Sr. Sheila McNiff works only with adult survivors. If the caller is reporting a current child abuse case, caller is instructed to call Detective Barraclough of the Los Angeles Police Department, at (213) 485-2883. If the caller is calling about a non-current case they are informed they may also report it to Detective Barraclough. When an adult survivor calls the hotline, Sr. Sheila completes as much of a phone interview as the survivor will allow.

• Some callers only want to make sure the abuser is no longer in a situation to harm children or adults.
• Some callers will allow themselves to meet with Sister for a more personal interview. During that interview the survivor is encouraged to tell his/her story.
• In both cases Sister thanks the survivor for coming forward, and tries to demonstrate the sincere compassion they deserve. She always apologizes for the actions which have hurt them. This apology is often overwhelming to the survivor and can be the beginning of the survivor's empowerment. Counseling is made available to the victim. See details below.
• In all cases the Vicar for Clergy is notified, as is the Oversight Board. The Board is made up of 13 members who are lay specialists and is led by Retired Presiding Superior Court Judge Richard P. Byrne. If the Vicar believes action must be taken before the board can meet, he will begin an investigation and may, if warranted, remove the priest. If the initial report does not indicate that anyone is in immediate danger, then the case will go before the board. The Oversight Board will review the case and make a determination regarding the Priest's ministry position. The Report is given to the Cardinal for final disposition. The Oversight Board does not participate in counseling or monetary decisions.

COUNSELING

• If a survivor requests/agrees to counseling and does not have a counselor, they may select their own or choose from a referral list which will be provided.
• Counselors will be approved only if the are licensed, have malpractice insurance, and have expertise in treating survivors of Sexual Abuse.
• If a survivor is being treated by a counselor at the time of the report, that counselor must meet the aforementioned requirements. The counselor will also be required to complete an initial report (this report and all subsequent reports are common insurance reports) about the status and goals of treatment. It is preferred that the professional involved be a Clinical Psychologist. The benefit to the survivor is of the highest priority.
• After approximately 10 to 12 sessions with the counselor, Sister Sheila will request another insurance report. She will review the progress and treatment of the survivor. This is a common practice and the survivor's name is not mentioned. This process is to determine the quality of care the survivor is receiving. Some clients need more counseling, some change counselors, some feel as if they can move on with their life. A survivor may contact the office at any time in the future if the abuse issues become a problem for them, and they may receive more counseling.

2. The Healing Alliance (Web site: www.thelinkup.org)

The mission of the Healing Alliance (also known as the LinkUp) is to foster healing, prevention, and education in the area of clergy sexual abuse. The Healing Alliance seeks to help victims confront the facts of their abuse, obtain the psychological counseling necessary to heal themselves, and, if so desired, to assert their legal rights.

The Healing Alliance sponsors a retreat center in Kentucky called The Farm. The Farm is a place where survivors of clergy sexual abuse can participate in recovery-focused programs, rest, and make progress in their healing. It is open to survivors from all faiths and locations, but is not affiliated with any religious institution. We offer group workshops and individual programs designed to meet someone's specific needs.

For those recovering from the wounds/trauma of sexual abuse and exploitation by members of the clergy, it is important to respond to your natural need for healing. At The Farm, you will be guided and supported by skillful and experienced helpers and facilitators that have broad experience in the dynamics of healing and recovery with a view toward the integration of mind, body, and spirit.

3. SafeNet (Web site: www.mysafenet.org)

SafeNet, the Survivors Alliance and Franciscan Exchange Network, is a dedicated support and care group for sexual abuse survivors of St. Anthony's Seminary in Santa Barbara, California, and also an outreach program committed to working directly with the Franciscan religious order. Run entirely by survivors, SafeNet is the first group of its kind to seek to bridge the gap between survivors and the clergy and to promote peace, healing, and reconciliation on both sides.

4. Franciscan Friars' Office of Pastoral Outreach

In January, 2006, important structural changes took place regarding the review board created in 1994 by the Catholic religious Order of Friars Minor of the Province of St. Barbara (Franciscans), headquartered in Oakland, California. The board had been established to address clergy sexual abuse in the Order by overseeing the treatment and supervision of offenders and ministering to victims/survivors and their families. In 2006 this board was retired and a new structure was set in place.

As a result of these changes, the Office of Pastoral Outreach was created to help best serve those who have been hurt by this tragedy and to offer help to all victims and survivors. Its function is to assist all who have been wounded. Its goal is to facilitate healing.

The Office of Pastoral Outreach is staffed by the Pastoral Outreach Coordinator (POC), Angelica Jochim, MFT, a lay licensed psychotherapist. She is available to anyone requesting therapy, support, assistance and/or information.

If you or someone you know believes that a Franciscan friar has violated the boundaries of the ministerial relationship, please report such behavior immediately to the Pastoral Outreach Coordinator in Santa Barbara:

Angelica Jochim, MFT

Pastoral Outreach Coordinator
(800) 770-8013
angelica.jochim@gmail.com 

Office of Pastoral Outreach
PO Box 90638
Santa Barbara, CA 93190-0638

All communication is strictly private and confidential.  

Ms. Jochim, a licensed therapist, will be happy to meet in confidence with victims of sexual misconduct involving a friar, to offer pastoral counsel, and to provide access to a wide range of professional services that could be helpful in the healing process.

Please note: The foregoing information is believed to be current. Kindly contact the Webkeeper to offer revisions and corrections.