Policies+for+Maintaining+Ethical+Ministry+with+Minors+-+2023+FINAL - Flipbook - Page 19
APPENDIX A
GUIDELINES FOR SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE COORDINATORS
The Survivor Assistance Coordinator is an individual, appointed or hired by the Major Superior, whose primary role is to accompany
survivors through the Institute’s response to reports and allegations of abuse. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator is qualified to
work with survivors of abuse, either through their education, training, and/or experience.
While the Major Superior may participate in providing a pastoral response, he or she will not serve as the Survivor Assistance Coordinator. Additionally, the Survivor Assistance Coordinator is not a member of the Review Board nor does he or she fulfill other roles
that may present an actual or perceived conflict of interest. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator may be a Member of the Institute
or a layperson. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator maintains a professional relationship with the survivor and/or family and does
not act in an official capacity as his or her therapist, attorney, or spiritual director.
The Survivor Assistance Coordinator’s Duties include the following:
1. Listen to the survivor and/or family.
2. To accompany the survivor, show empathy, and always make them feel supported.
3. To explain to the survivor, in written and verbal form, the Institute’s response to the allegations raised.
4. To offer support other affected persons, assisting with referrals to therapists and/or support groups.
5. To offer to be present during meetings between the survivor and/or family and the Institute, including the Major Superior or other representatives of the Institute.
6. To coordinate all communications between the survivor and/or family and the Institute, keeping all parties apprised of
developments and progress in the case.
7. To help maintain documentation that shows the actions the Institute takes in response to each report or allegation of
sexual abuse.
19
