Welcome to this page of information regarding the Office of Victim Assistance and Advocacy. The Augustinians are dedicated to providing pastoral outreach and healing to survivors of childhood sexual abuse and their families. We hope that you find the following information helpful, and not overwhelming. We are aware of the difficulties victims and survivors face each day, and are always ready to assist you with your concerns. Please do not hesitate to contact us in any way with which you feel comfortable. The options are listed below. No matter where you are on your journey, we are here for you.
The mission of the Office of Victim Assistance and Advocacy is to provide pastoral care, support, and resources to victims and survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones, in their efforts to achieve psychological, emotional and spiritual healing.
The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova retains a Victim Assistance Coordinator whose responsibility is to provide appropriate care to each victim/survivor who comes forth with an allegation of sexual abuse or misconduct. In consultation and collaboration with the Provincial, the Victim Assistance Coordinator will provide all victims with documents explaining the process of responses to complaints of sexual abuse or misconduct. The process will include an investigation as necessary, the offering of pastoral and emotional support, and the arrangement of psychological counseling for the victim and his/her family as needed.
If the complaint is of the contemporaneous sexual abuse of a minor, the Victim Assistance Coordinator will immediately inform the local police or the office of the local district attorney. The Victim Assistance Coordinator will also report this to the ecclesiastical authorities in the diocese where the abuse occurred.
In addition, the Victim Assistance Coordinator's responsibilities include the following:
- To be available to victims and survivors by telephone when needed.
- To give the victim/survivor our Victim Assistance Guide, "Sexual Abuse: A Guide for Victims."
- To explain the process and protocols of the Province when a person comes forward alleging sexual misconduct or abuse of a minor.
- To inform the victim/survivor what the Province has done in response to the complaint.
- To be present, as necessary, during meetings between the victim and/or family and the Province investigator.
- To assist in finding qualified therapists for persons requesting counseling in a timely manner.
- To assist in the investigation process by conducting intake interviews with the victim/survivor.
- To maintain complete confidentiality regarding all cases and matters pertaining to the allegations of abuse.
To reach the Province of Saint Thomas' Victim Assistance Coordinator call: 617.875.8447
Or address inquiries to: Victim Assistance Coordinator, P.O. Box 340, Villanova, PA 19085-0340
All communications will be handled in the strictest of confidence.