Diocese Boosts Support for Sexual Assault Victims
ABC News
The Maitland-Newcastle Catholic Diocese says a purpose-built one-stop-shop for all its community services will bolster support for people who have been sexually abused by clergy. The Church's welfare arm, CatholicCare Social Services, and its child protection unit, Zimmerman Services, have moved into the retrofitted Sport and Recreation Club at Mayfield. Co-ordinator of healing and support, Maureen O'Hearn, says there will be increased synergies between the counselling programs and advocacy. She says the move comes at a crucial time as the nation prepares for the Royal Commission into abuse within institutions. "I think with any Commission, or with any media coverage about sexual abuse within the Church, it's always a catalyst for more people to come forward." She said. "So, in so doing, it's great for my position then to be able to have access to counselling services right next door, to be one of the options that I can offer to people who come forward." Ms O'Hearn is the first sexual abuse 'healing and support co-ordinator' employed at an Australian diocese. She says the role is unique and dynamic. "When I first meet with people it will be a matter of making some sort of assessment, organising counselling, making sure that counselling does in fact suit them, supporting them in going to the police, supporting them in going through court cases if they're witnesses in trials etc," she said. "It's fairly much tailor-made, whatever it is that will help that person to reach some sort of healing."
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