The line is used by victims of clergy sexual abuse to provide their information for an ongoing civil suit against the diocese. They have until Aug. 1 to do so.

But for two weeks, people calling the number just got a dial tone and then were disconnected.

Barbara Dorris with the Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests or SNAP said that experience could turn potential victims away.

“For nothing to happen, for the lines to be essentially broken is very painful,” said Dorris.

No one noticed the problem until a reporter called the line and got that dial tone. Attorney Jim Stang represents the creditors in the bankruptcy case against the diocese and oversees the line. He said the problem occurred when a new phone system was installed.

“I was very upset. If a survivor had called, that they would have not had their calls returned,” said Stang.

The line is back up.

Stang said it is being monitored daily now to make sure no other issues come up.

He doesn't believe any potential victims were unable to get through because Stang said the line records the phone numbers of those who called it and the only calls they received were a robocall and one from the reporter.