Victims wishing to receive services may call the following confidential number: 502/375-6807.
The Archdiocese of Louisville requested the University of Louisville’s help because it wishes to extend a pastoral response to all those who are victims of clergy sexual abuse. Many have responded to Archbishop Kelly’s invitation and have come forward about the abuse they suffered at the hands of some priests. The Archdiocese has met with them, listened to them, acknowledged their suffering, and offered counseling services to them. These survivors of sexual abuse have been referred to counselors who are independent, highly trained, and reputable practitioners in the fields of marriage and family therapy, substance abuse, clinical social work, psychology, and psychiatry.
Other survivors may be reluctant to deal directly with the Archdiocese, and those who have lodged civil suits cannot contact the diocese directly. In any case, many victims are dealing with their abuse for the first time. This is likely to cause serious disruptions in their lives, and the Archdiocese wants to help.
To address this concern, the Archdiocese approached the Kent School of Social Work about establishing an independent source that could interview victims and refer them for appropriate professional treatment. In response, the Kent School has established a Community Support Team.
The Community Support Team consists of faculty members from Kent School’s Marriage and Family Therapy program who will serve as the point of contact for victims wishing to initiate counseling services. The Archdiocese approached the University of Louisville because of the Kent School’s expertise in the areas of sexual abuse and marital and family issues, and because of its knowledge of community resources. Many victims of clergy sexual abuse – and sexual abuse in general – suffer particularly in the area of marriage and family relationships.
Faculty members of the Community Support Team will conduct telephone interviews with victims and discuss with them the nature of their difficulties. They then will provide these individuals with the names and telephone numbers of suggested clinicians. During the telephone interview, victims will receive a voucher number for their first visit to the treating practitioner. After this initial visit, the practitioner will bill the Archdiocese of Louisville for the cost of professional services for up to six months. The practitioner may evaluate the treatment progress and request additional time from the Archdiocese.
All assessments provided by the Kent School’s Community Support Team will be conducted without any input from the Archdiocese. The University of Louisville is charging the Archdiocese a modest administrative fee for this service.
Those who wish to receive professional services may call 502/375-6807 and leave a message. A member of the Kent School faculty will be back in touch to schedule an appointment by the next business day.
For more information, contact Cecelia Price at the Archdiocese of Louisville by calling 502/585-3291 or Terry Singer at the Kent School of Social Work by calling 502/852-3944.
