An independent mediation system has been created and is now in place to help victims/survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy members.

Trained, neutral intake coordinators will accept calls. All calls are confidential and victims/survivors can remain anonymous for their first contact. Interpreters will be provided for victims/survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To use the mediation system, make a report of sexual abuse, or simply to get more information, please call 1-866-302-9215 or 414-302-9215 or fax 414-258-2461. The telephone lines are TTY accessible. Reports of clergy sexual abuse will be received through Friday, April 30, 2004.

Sexual abuse is a crime that is not the fault of victims/survivors. Victims/survivors who do not want to contact the Clergy Sexual Abuse Mediation System are encouraged to contact someone to report their circumstances. Both law enforcement and advocacy centers can help victims/survivors.

The Clergy Sexual Abuse Mediation System is an independent process designed to resolve disputes for those who have been sexually abused by Catholic clergy, with the goal of healing, restoration and closure.

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan commissioned the creation of the new mediation system in November 2003, in response to some victims/survivors who were hesitant to contact the Catholic Church. In a November 6, 2003, Herald of Hope column, Archbishop Dolan wrote that he hoped the new mediation system "will provide both accountability and credibility, and make it less painful for victims/survivors."

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee currently is involved in a mediation process with a large group of victims/survivors. This large group mediation provided great insight into the development of the new mediation system.

Visit this link to read Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan's statement on the creation of the clergy sexual abuse mediation system.

An introduction to and overview of the clergy sexual abuse mediation system are available at this link.

A flow chart of the structure of the clergy sexual abuse mediation system is available at this link.

A print advertisement and the plan to publicize the clergy sexual abuse mediation system is available at this link.