Victim/Survivor Resources

We Hear You and Acknowledge Your Experience

When members of the clergy or others representing the Catholic Church abuse someone, they violate a sacred trust.

To those who have been abused, we are here for you. We are truly heartbroken for the pain you and your loved ones have suffered.

We are committed to listening to you, addressing your needs and concerns, and doing all we can to prevent any more harm.

Taking that first, courageous step to report abuse is not easy. For many people, the strength and courage to do so often comes after years of anguish, anger and a deep sense of betrayal. If you or someone you know has been sexually abused, your first call should be to law enforcement. Click to learn more.

Victim Support Services

Anyone who is a victim/survivor can call and have a confidential conversation with the Coordinator of Restorative Practices and Survivor Support, Paula Kaempffer (651-291-4429 or kaempfferp@archspm.org). Paula is a survivor of clergy sexual abuse herself and will offer support, care, referrals and programs. Ongoing support groups and special events are also available. This is a safe place. We understand your pain.

More on Victim/Survivor Services

You may also contact the Archdiocese’s Victim Assistance Program at 651-291-4475.

Julie Craven serves voluntarily as the ombudsperson for anyone who has questions or concerns in regards to a sexual abuse case involving the Archdiocese. Ms. Craven can be contacted directly at 320-416-0708 (text or leave a voicemail) or ombudsarchspm@gmail.com.

Additionally, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has partnered with Canvas Health, a trusted local independent mental health and substance use organization, to offer support for those abused by members of the clergy or others representing the Catholic Church. These supports are provided through Canvas’s Abuse Response Services (ARS). Canvas Health & ARS provides a safe, confidential, and compassionate place to share concerns. Professionals are available during business hours Monday through Friday, along with a 24-hour crisis line for immediate response. Services are provided at no cost. Contact Canvas Health at 651-291-4497 to talk with an ARS professional. Ongoing counseling for either mental health or substance use concerns is available with Canvas Health at one of their many Twin Cities metro clinics. Most insurances and a sliding fee are available – no one is turned away based on ability to pay for services.

Healing and Restorative Justice

What is Restorative Justice?

Restorative Justice is a philosophy that presents a different way to understand and respond to wrongdoing. Restorative Justice seeks to repair the harm caused by abuse. When harm occurs, there are far-reaching impacts – emotional, spiritual, physical and material.

More on Healing and Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice processes involve those impacted by the harm, to include victims, offenders and communities. Restorative Justice seeks to repair harm and foster healing by focusing on the victim’s needs and the offender’s responsibility. It promotes inclusive processes in which all voices are heard and valued.

Restorative Justice is a way of living rooted in honesty, self-awareness, culture and faith.

Restorative Justice asks three fundamental questions:

  1. What was the harm and who was impacted?
  2. How were they impacted and what are their needs?
  3. What must be done to repair the harm?

After being harmed, few victims can move ahead with dignity without a full and honest exposure of the truth, as well as accountability. You cannot heal what you do not acknowledge. Hurt does not just go away on its own; it needs to be spoken and heard. Only then is there a possibility of “restorative justice,” which is what the prophets invariably promise to the people of Israel (as in Ezekiel 16:53-63; Isaiah 57:17‒19) and Jesus illustrates in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11‒ 32) and throughout his healing ministry.

We will do our best to hear the truth which you speak and acknowledge how you have been harmed. We are ready and willing to listen to you and to assist you on your healing journey.

Restorative Justice Offerings for Parishes

Find restorative justice offerings for parishes in this brochure.

Programs of Support and Healing

Ongoing programs and events are offered to help victim/survivors with their healing process. Details below are broken down into three areas: Victim/Survivor Support Groups, Special Events and Links and Other Resources.

Victim/Survivor Support Groups

The following restorative justice support groups for victim/survivors are currently meeting and open to all victim/survivors in the United States. If you have questions about Restorative Justice Groups, please contact Paula Kaempffer, Coordinator of Restorative Practices and Survivor Support for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, at 651-291-4429. View the flyer.

Victim/Survivor Support Groups

Victim/Survivor Support Group for Those Who Were Adults When They Were Sexually Harmed by Clergy
First Monday of the month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Online via ZOOM

Join others who share a similar experience and who want to provide support, affirmation, hope, and empowerment. We can help in our own healing and benefit from the experience of others in accomplishing this. If you are interested in participating in this virtual/online session, please contact Paula Kaempffer (651-291-4429 or kaempfferp@archspm.org) to obtain the ZOOM invitation.

Support Group for Family, Relatives or Friends of Victims of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Second Monday of the month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Online via ZOOM

Family members/relatives or friends often do not have anyone to talk with about their loved one’s 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 are often asked by those who stand by. If you are interested in participating in this virtual/online session, please contact Paula Kaempffer (651-291-4429 or kaempfferp@archspm.org) to obtain the ZOOM invitation.

Victim/Survivor Support Group for Anyone Who Has Experienced Sexual Abuse by Clergy or Others in Their Lives
Third Monday of the month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Online via ZOOM

This group is open to anyone who has experienced sexual violence in their lives, from clergy or others Join with other victim/survivors of sexual abuse who share a similar experience and who want to provide each other with support, affirmation, hope, and empowerment. If you are interested in participating in this virtual/online session, please contact Paula Kaempffer (651-291-4429 or kaempfferp@archspm.org) to obtain the ZOOM invitation.

Peace Circle
Third Tuesday of the month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Online via ZOOM

This group is not affiliated with any particular diocese or church group. If you are interested in participating in this virtual/online session, please contact Jim Richter (773-412-0909 or jrichter316@gmail.com) to obtain the ZOOM invitation.

Who: Open to all who have been harmed by abuse (victim survivors, family members, loved
ones) that those who care about them.
Why: Mutual support, respect and deep listening in a safe environment.
How: Circle process. One person at a time speaks on a shared topic.

Men’s Healing/Discussion Circle
First Monday of each month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central
Online via ZOOM

This group is not affiliated with any particular diocese or church group. If you are interested in participating in this virtual/online session, please contact Jim Richter (773-412-0909 or jrichter316@gmail.com) to obtain the ZOOM invitation.

SNAP Support Groups (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Second Saturday of each month
9 – 11 a.m. Central Time

This group is not affiliated with any particular diocese or church group. Open to all survivors of abuse and their support individuals. Facilitated by Frank Meuers, frankginnym4220@gmail.com.

Support Group for Current and Former Employees of Faith-Based Institutions Who Have Experienced Abuse.
Second Thursday of the Month
6:30 – 8 p.m. Central Time

Anyone is welcome to join with others who have had similar experiences to receive support, affirmation, and healing. This confidential support group will welcome members from all over the United States and any other countries. View the flyer.

Support Group Testimonials

“It has been especially easy to isolate from others during this past year. Dealing with everyday life became more of a challenge and made me feel like I was completely alone. During the meetings, I feel like I can express where I am without having to defend myself. Even more helpful was knowing that I’m not alone – that others are dealing with the same issues. The virtual support groups have been a forum where we can share not only where we are in our journey, but also things that have helped, and are helping to heal.”

  • Catherine

 

“Through our support group I have met fellow pilgrims on a healing journey. This support group is a safe and life-giving oasis in a land which many times feels dry of compassion for abuse survivors. I receive hope and validation through the sharing of hearts in our support group.”            – Deborah

 

“I’ve been attending the support groups via ZOOM since last spring. My experience is one of safety and  respect . I feel comfortable sharing as much or as little as I wish with no pressure to share. When I do speak I feel listened to. I don’t feel like anyone is trying to advise me, cure me, or change me. I feel accepted as I am, which is not always the case in my experience. The longer I’m in the group I see supportive bonds forming and hints of healing beginning. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to participate in my group. Paula is such a competent and caring facilitator, who puts victims’ safety, security and well-being first! Thank you!”                                                                                                                     – Anonymous

 

“After being abused in isolation, carrying my pain in isolation, and eventually going through therapy in isolation… being in a group like this expanded my healing beyond what I had imagined. I feel returned to the whole world; messy, but with much good amongst the bad. I belong in this world. “                                                                                    – Dave

 

“The restorative justice support groups have been an invaluable source of healing and recovery for me. Through hearing the experience of others, and by being heard, I feel less alone and isolated. Participating has provided me access to vital information and resources.”

  • Anonymous

 

These groups have changed my life, they teach you to set boundaries. Participants come together to share experiences of strength and hope, discuss difficulties and learn effective ways to cope with problems. For me, the value of the group is the ability to reach individuals so that they know they are not alone. Peace Circles offered a new found perspective to my repetitive behaviors and angst with a group of people who understood.  I can see that there is hope. The Support Groups and Peace Circles offer a safe place that I can find freedom to express my greatest hurt, pain, and fears. A place to free myself from the shame and blame of the past. Somewhere I will learn to no longer be imprisoned by the traumatized child within me. I know that this is exactly where I need to be, as challenging as that may be, because I don’t want the past to hold me back— and isn’t that the point of recovery?  I wasn’t always able to express my emotions, but I’m still learning and after all these years, I love myself.

  • Joe

Prayers for Healing

God of endless love, ever caring, ever strong, always present, always just, You gave your only Son to save us by the blood of his Cross. Gentle Jesus, shepherd of peace, join to your own suffering the pain of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who betrayed the trust placed in them. Hear our cries as we agonize over the harm done to our brothers and sisters. Breathe wisdom into our prayers, soothe restless hearts with hope, steady shaken spirits with faith: Show us the way to justice and wholeness enlightened by truth and enfolded in your mercy. Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts heal your people’s wounds and transform our brokenness. Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace, so that we may act with justice and find peace in you. We ask this though Christ our Lord, Amen.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts,
heal your people’s wounds
and transform brokenness into wholeness.
Grant us the courage and wisdom,
humility and grace, to act with justice.
Breathe wisdom into our prayers and labors.
Grant that all harmed by abuse may find peace in justice.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Special Presentations

Watch for details on the next presentation to be posted soon. To receive the flyer and a registration link for upcoming presentations, please sign up here.

For more information about these offerings, contact Paula Kaempffer, Coordinator for Restorative Practices and Survivor Support for the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, kaempfferp@archspm.org. 

Recordings of Past Presentations

Clergy Abuse Beyond the Catholic Church: Parallels, Contrasts, and Lessons from Other Christian Contexts

Clergy sexual abuse is by no means limited to the Catholic church. How does clergy abuse look similar or different in Catholic versus non-Catholic contexts? Are there lessons to be learned from looking at abuse crises across Catholic-Protestant lines
or expanding more broadly to clergy abuse in non-Christian religions? This presentation offers information gleaned so far from ongoing research and scores of interviews with abuse survivors, advocates, lawyers, journalists, and both Catholic and evangelical church leaders. Our presenter R. Marie Griffith will discuss what her research has uncovered so far and what she hopes the results will accomplish. Watch the video.

Causes and Consequences of the Modern Pornography Epidemic

Pornography use has exploded in recent years with some sources estimating around 25% of all internet activity being pornography related. How did pornography grow to be so prevalent? What effects might pornography have on individual pornography users, families, and society? And how should Catholics and people of conscience respond? These questions are investigated in this January 22, 2024 talk, with a special view to the relationship between pornography use and sexually abusive behavior. Please note: This content may be uncomfortable or triggering for some depending on where
they are in their healing journey. You may watch the recording here.

Spiritual Abuse and Moral Injury: A Primer for Survivors

Spiritual abuse is a deep betrayal of trust that violates the sacred dignity of the abused. Such a betrayal can create “moral injury”, a loss of the experience of goodness – our own, the world’s, and even God’s. In this September 25, 2023 presentation, Lisa Cataldo, MDiv, PhD, explored the concept of moral injury and how we can move toward healing. Watch the recording.

What Is Spiritual Abuse?

In this August 28, 2023 webinar, Cathy Melesky Dante, MDIV, MSW shared a presentation that offered an understanding of what spiritual abuse is and how to recognize it. Watch the recording.

Advocacy and Resistance: Be the Change you Wish to See

In this July 24, 2023 webinar, David Pooler, professor of social work at Baylor University, offered a presentation that invited participants to explore the courage present in themselves and helped identify ways to use their experience to help make change. Watch the recording.

Power and Control: Understanding Domestic Violence and Abuse in Relationships

This June 26, 2023 event explores what power and control look like in relationships. The presenter was Emily Huemann, who has been the Program Supervisor of SOS (Sexual Offense Services) of Ramsey County, MN for over 24 years. Watch the recording.

Therapy…How Do I Choose Which One is Right for Me?

This informational session and Q & A with licensed psychotherapist Erin Kelly was held Monday, May 22, 2023. Watch the recording.

Walking with the Church’s Victims for Forty Years: Lessons Learned

At this April 24, 2023 Zoom event, Tom Doyle presented on his accompaniment of victims/survivors and their loved ones over the past 40 years. Watch the recording.

Beyond ‘Bad Apples’: Clericalism, Clergy Perpetrated
Sexual Abuse, and Horizons for Healing

This March 27, 2023 presentation and conversation explored the relationship between clericalism and abuse and propose ways that we might imagine hope and healing in a church no longer characterized by the undue exaltation of clerical status and authority. Watch the recording.

No Healing without Understanding: Approaching the Wounds of Clergy Abuse through the Lens of Moral Injury

Moral injury is an emerging concept that helps us understand the moral harm caused by a profound betrayal. Moral injury is most acute in survivors, whose sacred trust in church leaders has been shattered, but it can be detected among many former and current church members. This conversation will share highlights from a two-year research study published last month, available hereWatch the recording.

The Roman Catholic Priesthood:  “How Did We Get to Where We Are Today?”

This November 28, 2022 presentation reviewed how the priesthood developed in the Middle Ages along the lines of sacramental power, Eucharistic theology, and the medieval philosophical and social worldview. It also explored the reaction to the subsequent Protestant Reformation, what followed from Vatican II’s documents on the church and priesthood, and the merits and limits to Pope Francis’ continuous denunciation of clericalism and openings to the laity. Watch the recording.

Sexuality and the Sacred Self: Towards a Healthy Understanding After Abuse

This two evening presentation for victim/survivors and those who care for them was held October 24-25, 2022. The first evening was a webinar presentation with the following evening being just for group discussion and processing. Find more information in the flyer, and watch the recordings for the first evening and second evening.

A follow-up conversation took place December 12, 2022. The focus of this session was guided by participants’ questions and feedback that came from the previous two
evenings. Watch the recording.

The Presence, Experience and Wisdom of Trauma: How to Create a Trauma Informed Church

On September 26, 2022, presenter Dr. Rodriguez, MD, MA, OCDS, led a discussion on how we as the Church can help create a safe place for victim/survivors to find hope and healing in our churches. Watch the recording.

When Faith Hurts

On June 27, 2022, Victor Vieth, Chief Program Officer for Education and Research of the Zero Abuse Project, discussed the current research regarding maltreatment and the religious impact it poses to victims. Watch the recording.

In Shadowed Easters: Holding Our Stories Lovingly

On May 23, 2022, survivors joined together in mutual support and love for conversations of kindness. Ronald Patrick Raab, C.S.C. led this presentation for victim/survivors and those who care for them. Watch the recording.

Why couldn’t I just walk away… and ‘get over it’?

This presentation focuses on one survivor’s own abilities and lack of abilities to “just get over it.” It also reports on the recent data on the neuroscience of trauma–the effects of trauma on the brain and our memories, while paying special attention and care to the ways that the grooming process in the trauma, coupled with the situational interactive dynamics of the “traumatic event” within families and communities play a significant role in how difficult it may be to “just get over it.” Watch the recording.

Clericalism and Not Only: The Institutional Dimensions of the Abuse Crisis in the Catholic Church

At this February 2022 event, Dr. Massimo Faggioli addressed what is specific to the Catholic Church in the phenomenon of abuse and how while some of these unique features are root causes, they can also be seen as resources for solutions to the problem. Watch the video.

Became Willing to Go to Any Lengths to Recover

At this January 2022 event, speaker Roberta Izzard discusses the many positive aspects and possibilities of support communities for all trauma survivors including victims of clergy sexual abuse. Watch the video.

Innocence Lost to Human Trafficking

This Zoom presentation for victim/survivors and those who care for them – held November 29, 2021 – shows parents, caregivers and others how easy it is for traffickers to lure children and adolescents into the horrific crime of sex trafficking. Watch the recording.

Panel: Lifting Up the Voices of Female Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse

This conversation focused upon female clerical abuse survivors’ perspectives. How can such a perspective help to heal the wounds of abuse and institutional betrayal in the Church, faith communities, and other institutions? Paula Kaempffer, Coordinator of Restorative Practices and Survivor Support, is among the panelists for this event. Watch the recording.

Boundaries: Communicating and Advocating for Safety

At this Zoom workshop led by Dr. David Pooler on October 25, 2021, survivors, allies, and supporters examined the process by which healthy boundaries are delineated and maintained in the recovery process. Watch the recording.

The Body Remembers: ACE and the Life-Long Impact on Our Health

During this Zoom presentation, Emily Huemann discussed how childhood trauma affects not only mental well-being but physical health as well. The study by Kaiser Permanente and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) was reviewed as well as information fostering resiliency. Watch the video.

Ripple Effects: A Survivor and Her Daughter – Donna and Jerri Von Den Bosch

At this Zoom event, held August 23, 2021, clerical sexual abuse survivor, Donna Von Den Bosch, and her daughter Jerri Von Den Bosch, discuss their experiences and share stories on the impact trauma has had on themselves and their family, and their journey as they heal together. Watch the video.

Hiding in Plain Sight – Greg Holtmeyer

At this Zoom event, held July 26, 2021, Greg Holtmeyer’s presentation takes a look at the most under reported crime against males, the long-term effects, treatments and resources available. Watch the video.

Reclaiming Power and Making Safe Spaces – Dr. David Pooler

At this Zoom event, held June 28, 2021, Dr. David Pooler offered a presentation defining power and examining how it can be used for healing, inclusion, and safety in faith communities. By also documenting how power has been used to injure and exploit, participants will be able to examine the contrast and learn ways to create healing and safety for themselves and others. Watch the video.

What Victim/Survivors Have Taught Me about What Clergy Should Understand about Sexual Misconduct in the Church

At this Zoom event, held May 24, 2021, Dr. Heather Banis shared what she has learned from victim/survivors on the impact of clergy sexual abuse and misconduct, and how she applies that knowledge in her work with clergy and seminarians. Watch the recording.

Sexual Violence and Grooming: Why was it NOT my fault?

At this Zoom event, held April 26, 2021, Emily Huemann, Program Supervisor of SOS (Sexual Offense Services) of Ramsey County, addresses grooming and other related issues in her presentation. Watch the recording.

Treatments for Trauma

At this Zoom event, held February 22, 2021, Mitch Mueller, MA, discussed some of the techniques and treatments available to help you take control of your life and stop allowing your trauma to boss you around. Special focus was given to mindfulness techniques that you can use in your daily life. Watch the recording.

Reasons Why Sex Offenders Choose to Abuse

At this Zoom event, held November 30, 2020, Mitch Mueller, MA, discussed some of the reasons abusers make this choice and how understanding this can lead to healing and prevention for further generations. Watch the recording.

Links and Other Resources

Find videos, articles, websites and other resources for victim/survivors.

Links and Other Resources

Letters From Church Leaders

Letter from Archbishop Hebda Regarding Bishop Accountability, Survivor Outreach 

“Many of you have reminded me that our Church needs to face today’s challenges with more direct action. Changes must be made that will prevent regression to old ways. I am taking additional steps in this Archdiocese to change the culture that fostered the clergy abuse crisis.” Read the full letter.

Letter from Pope Francis to priests on the Feast of St. John Vianney

“In these years, we have become more attentive to the cry, often silent and suppressed, of our brothers and sisters who were victims of the abuse of power, the abuse of conscience and sexual abuse on the part of ordained ministers. This has been a time of great suffering in the lives of those who experienced such abuse, but also in the lives of their families and of the entire People of God.” Read the full letter.

Articles

From The Catholic Spirit:

Additional Articles:

Videos: 

Harm, Healing & Hope Conference:

This special online event was hosted at Our Lady of Lourdes, Minneapolis, on September 12, 2020. Portions of the program are available on the parish website, including:

  • Restorative Justice in the Catholic Church and Beyond – A documentary by Hunter Johnson. Hunter is the son of the late Tom Johnson (former Ombudsperson for Clergy Sex Abuse Victims).
  • Speaker videos and the Q&A session feature Justice Janine Geske, Father Daniel Griffith, and Paula Kaempffer
  • Links to additional resources referenced by Justice Geske