June 01, 2005

Assistance offered to clergy abuse victims

DAVENPORT (IA)
Des Moines Register

The Davenport Catholic Diocese has named Alicia Owens as the independent victim assistance coordinator to offer help and healing to victims of clergy sexual abuse.

Owens is a graduate of Marycrest College and has 24 years of counseling and resource coordination experience.

She will assist victims and their families in making a formal abuse complaint with the diocese and arrange a meeting with Bishop William Franklin or his representative to obtain support to fit the victim's needs.

To report child sexual abuse, contact the Iowa Department of Human Services child abuse hot line at (800) 326-2178. To report abuse involving clergy or church personnel in the Davenport Diocese, contact Owens at (563) 349-5002 or vacdav@attglobal.net.

Posted by kshaw at June 1, 2005 05:52 AM