KANSAS CITY (KS)
The Leaven – Archdiocese of Kansas City
October 30, 2020
By Moira Cullings
“Two years ago, I never thought I would return to a church building, ever,” said Sandra.
A survivor of abuse by a representative of the Catholic Church, the journey to find healing for Sandra, whose name has been changed for anonymity, has been difficult.
“There’s a sense of loneliness,” she said. “Where do I belong?”
Healing from abuse is complicated, and perhaps even more so when the abuse occurred at the hands of a representative of the church, often leaving the victim survivor to feel betrayed and outcast from their faith community.
That’s why the office for protection and care for the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, formerly known as the office of child and youth protection, is working fervently to atone for church abuse by taking responsibility for the harm caused.
“Although we cannot turn back time, we can work to prevent abuse today and respond to a survivor’s needs with a sense of urgency and respect,” said director Jenifer Valenti.
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