Support for Victims/Survivors
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We are here to offer support and healing
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We understand that the path to healing is different for each person.
If you or someone you care about is suffering the pain of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or a representative of the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, our victim assistance coordinator is here to help. We serve as a point of contact for reports of Catholic Church-related incidents of sexual abuse and are available to assist individuals in seeking support and finding resources for protection and healing, whether the abuse is recent or occurred in the past.
Victims of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or individual representing the Diocese of Pittsburgh can contact Dr. Emily Belsito, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 412-456-3093 ext. 3712 or toll free at 1-888-808-1235.
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Dr. Emily Belsito, victim assistance coordinator, is here to help
I joined the Secretariat for the Protection of Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Adults in June of 2024. I am currently a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania, and prior to my role as victim assistance coordinator, I was a full-time assistant professor at Franciscan University of Steubenville in the clinical mental health counseling program. I am honored to be able to accompany victims/survivors and their family members who choose to reach out to the diocese for help.I am here to listen empathetically to what has happened to you. I am here to ensure that it will not happen again, and I will support you throughout your journey towards healing.
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what is a victim assistance coordinator?
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Learn how the diocesan Victims Assistance Coordinator can help
Victims Assistance Coordinators across the US provide pastoral care to victims, help them to make formal complaints, arrange personal meetings, and do so much more.
Victims of sexual abuse by a bishop, priest, deacon or individual representing the Diocese of Pittsburgh can contact Dr. Emily Belsito, Victim Assistance Coordinator, at 412-456-3093 ext. 3712 or or toll free at 1-888-808-1235.
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Diocesan partnerships to help victims/survivorsThe diocese has partnered with two of Pittsburgh’s most experienced agencies helping victim/survivors: the Center for Victims and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR).
These two agencies offer 24/7 hotlines with supportive and caring professionals to assist and/or help with a broad range of therapeutic and psychoeducational services for victims of abuse. See their contect information and their websites below:- Center for Victims: 1-866-644-2882
- Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: 1-866-END-RAPE
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Online Victim/Survivor groups
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Contact Us
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Dr. Emily Belsitoebelsitodiopitt.orgVictim Assistance Coordinator
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