Anyone wishing to report an allegation of sexual abuse by clergy or Church representative should call:

Diocesan Investigator Deacon John Brennan
Phone: 207-321-7836
E-mail: investigations@portlanddiocese.org

The Diocese will inform the victim that a report will be made and advise and support a victim’s right to make a report themselves.

The Diocese will offer to pay for counseling with a licensed therapist of the individual’s choice, regardless of whether the individual is in the process of asserting a lawsuit or a claim for damages against the Diocese. The Bishop or his representative will offer to meet the reported victim or his/her family.

Our Policy on Counseling Assistance Reimbursement is published here.

For additional information or help, you may write or contact:

Carolyn Bloom, Independent Clinician
384 Court St
Auburn ME 04210-4604
207-782-1051

-or-

Sr. Rita-Mae Bissonnette, RSR, Victim Assistance Coordinator
Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland
PO Box 11559
Portland ME 04104-7559
Phone: 207-321-7818
Private Fax: 207-321-7860
e-mail: RitaMae.Bissonnette@portlanddiocese.org

Any report of abuse of minors or vulnerable adults will be reported to civil authorities.

More information on the Church’s response to sexual abuse can be found at http://www.usccb.org/ocyp/charter.shtml, “the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People”, U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops.