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To: Pastors, principals, business managers, chancery employees
From: Sue Stubbs, director of Victim Assistance Program, Office of Child and Youth Protection
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis is offering a Zoom Support group for family members of clergy abuse victims. Please see their message below for information:
ZOOM SUPPORT GROUP FOR FAMILY, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF VICTIMS OF CLERGY OR RELIGIOUS SEXUAL ABUSE second Monday of the month 6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Most often family members, relatives and friends do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s abuse. They are considered secondary victims of abuse. They wonder what to say or not say. What is helpful? What makes the situation worse? What do the victim/survivors need or want from loved ones? What is the best way to support victim/survivors? These questions and many others will be discussed during our meetings.
These supportive and welcoming meetings are confidential and no one is forced to contribute unless they want to. We are not there to give each other advice but to share our own experiences we have had with our loved ones who have experienced abuse. Participants are free to bring a friend if that makes them feel more comfortable. All meetings take place in a Zoom format and everyone is welcome to attend no matter where you are from.
Please share this information with those who are family members or in contact with family members of those abused by clergy. If you are able, consider posting on your parish website. We want to support as many people as possible in dealing with this issue.
For more information on how to participate and to receive the link, please contact Paula Kaempffer, coordinator of restorative practices and survivor support, for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, at kaempfferp@archspm.org or call 763-688-3978.
