Chicago:Archdiocese starts counseling for abuse victims

Archdiocese starts counseling for abuse victims
By Manya Brachear | Chicago Tribune reporter
1:21 PM CDT, September 2, 2008
Scorned by victims' advocates for not reaching out to victims of clergy sex abuse, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago has tried to make up for lost time and lost souls. On Tuesday, the archdiocese launched a new counseling initiative for the loved ones of those abused by priests.

Beginning this week, four free sessions will be led by a licensed clinical social worker.

The sessions will include open discussion and sharing among participants and information about how the abuse affects the family, the healing process, the long-term effects of sexual abuse and rebuilding trust, communication, affection and hope.

"It is with a sense of hopefulness that we have developed this new educational program with the wish that through open dialogue this will be a beginning of positive change for these family members," said Matthew Hunnicutt, director of the archdiocese's office of assistance ministry.
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