By Soren Johnson
Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 2/3/05)

The diocesan Victim Assistance Office and Catholic Charities will collaborate to offer two support groups for victims of sexual abuse beginning this spring.

The confidential support groups, to be offered initially in Arlington and Fredericksburg over a 10-week period, will be a "safe place of ongoing healing, where trust might be in some part regained," according to Pat Mudd, diocesan victim assistance coordinator. "We’re here to support victims/survivors on their journey to healing." The establishment of the groups was requested by Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde last fall.

Because of the sensitive nature of the topic, it will not be a drop-in group; participants will be asked to register and commit to attend weekly sessions.

Among those leading the support groups will be Pamela Staszak, a professional counselor with Catholic Charities who has previously overseen support groups for victims of sexual abuse in North Carolina; Pat Cole, assistant program director of Family Services for CCDA who has worked extensively with adult victims of sexual abuse and trauma in workshops and support groups; and Marguerite Turner, assistant program director of Family Services, who has provided therapy to individuals, couples and families focusing on issues of depression, self-esteem, abuse survival, trauma and anxiety.

Father Terry Specht, director of the diocesan Office of Child Protection and Safety, calls the offering of such groups "a critical step in the healing process.

"So often, victims keep their experiences hidden," he said. "By holding Masses and offering support groups, the hope would be that any victims in need of further healing would take the next step."

Masses to pray for the healing of victims of sexual abuse have been celebrated throughout the diocese and four more are planned through May. The next Mass will be celebrated by Father Stephen Leva on Feb. 15 at St. John the Evangelist Church in Warrenton.

Since last June, Father Specht’s office has trained more than 8,000 diocesan employees and volunteers who work with children in "Protecting God’s Children," a safe environment program that teaches adults to detect the warning signs of abuse.

Mudd’s office maintains a list of counselors, as well as local clergy available for counseling of victims. Her office also facilitates counseling for any victims abused in other dioceses, but currently living in the Arlington diocese.

For more information contact Mudd, who maintains a confidential line, at 703/841-2530 or online at www.arlingtondiocese.org.