Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 8/26/04)

If you’ve been sexually exploited or abused by a priest, brother, sister or lay person employed by the Diocese of Arlington or by a church volunteer in service to a parish or school or other church organization, we want to help you.

We realize that bringing a misconduct complaint to authorities and/or to the Diocese of Arlington can be a frightening experience and we want to make the process as safe and as comfortable as possible. We promise to be open and respectful of your complaint.

Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator Patricia Mudd’s direct phone number is 703-841-2530.

Please keep in mind that we are required by law and our policy to report the abuse of a minor to the proper authorities.

The State of Virginia Child Protective Services’ 24-hour toll-free statewide hotline is 800-522-7096. Contact information for local Departments of Social Services in Virginia, and contact numbers for Washington, D.C., and military bases can be found in our Policy on the Protection of Children/Young People and Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and/or Child Abuse, online at www.arlingtondiocese.org.

Yes.

Patricia Mudd will take the information about the abuse, offer personal counseling and will ask your permission to advise church officials, specifically the Moderator of the Curia, about your complaint.

Yes. We can also help you bring your complaint to church officials outside the Diocese of Arlington if the abuse occurred in another diocese or church jurisdiction and you now reside within the Diocese of Arlington.

Yes. The Church will offer assistance in cases of abuse by any church employee or volunteer.

Yes. Bishop Loverde is willing to personally meet with victims of sexual abuse.

Priests of the diocese are available for spiritual assistance and counseling. The diocese has offered and will continue to offer Masses for the Healing of victims of sexual abuse (dates are posted at www.arlingtondiocese.org/protect/dio-vac-dir-cps.html).