Welcome to the Victim Assistance Page for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

The first obligation of the Church with regard to victims is for healing and reconciliation.

The Office of Victims Assistance Ministry of the Diocese of Brooklyn was created in April of 2004 to deal with allegations of past or current sexual abuse by clergy, religious, or any layperson working or volunteering for the Diocese. The Office is charged with creating a safe and compassionate environment for victims to come forward while ensuring that civil authorities are notified, and victims are provided with counseling and other assistance in the healing process.

The Victims Assistance Ministry serves to help victims/survivors of sexual abuse by a priest, deacon, or individual representing the Catholic Church.

The Victim Assistance Coordinator is available to help victims/survivors make a formal complaint of abuse to the Diocese and obtain support for the needs of the individual and families.

We have learned over the years from survivors that it takes great courage for a person who has experienced abuse by someone in the Church to reach out to that same Church and make an abuse report or ask for assistance of any kind.

We echo the words of Pope Francis to survivors, “words cannot fully express our sorrow for the abuse you suffered, and I am profoundly sorry that your innocence was violated by those who you trusted.”

In that light, and since you have taken this first step to look at our website, we encourage you to contact us directly at 718-623-5236.  It is our sincere hope that the Office of Victims Assistance Ministry can support your healing and reconciliation.

Thank you for visiting our website.

Elizabeth Harris
Victim Assistance Coordinator
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, NY 11362
718-623-5236(office)
eharris@diobrook.org