Making a Complaint or an Allegation of Sexual Misconduct to the Diocese
  

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau supports and encourages the reporting of all incidents of sexual misconduct, regardless of the identity of the alleged offender.

The diocese recognizes that bringing an allegation of sexual misconduct to the attention of the church officials can be a difficult decision.  To make this process as safe and comfortable as possible, the diocese has provided a variety of methods for bringing such a complaint.

Any person who alleges sexual misconduct on the part of the diocesan personnel* may bring a complaint by contacting any one of the following individuals in writing, or by telephone, or in person.  Please mark all correspondence "Personal and Confidential."

A.  The Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 601 S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806,  (417) 866-0841.

B.  The Chancellor of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau, 601. S. Jefferson Ave., Springfield, MO 65806,  (417) 866-0841.

C.  Any pastor or parish life coordinator of a parish within the diocese.

D.  The Victim Assistance Coordinators, who are lay persons not in the employ of the diocese:

     Steve Moncher, MS, LPC,  (417) 861-2109
           Kathleen P. Griesemer, Psy.D.,  (417) 848-4601.

Nothing within this document shall be interpreted to preclude or prohibit the reporting of any incicents of sexual abuse to appropriate civil authorities.  In fact, the reporting to civil authorities is encouraged.

* "Diocesan Personnel" includes clergy, teachers in Catholic Schools, and any employee or volunteer who works or volunteers on a regular basis within any parish, Catholic school, or other diocesan entity.

Assistance provided to victims

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau will reach out to every person who has been the victim of sexual abuse as a minor by anyone acting in the name of the Church, whether the abuse was recent or occurred many years in the past.  This outreach will include provision of counseling, spiritual assistance, support groups, and other social services agreed upon by the victim of the diocese.  The Assistance Coordinators will aid in the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused.

For questions concerning the diocesan safe environment program for adults or children, contact Mrs. Karen Pesek, Safe Environment Coordinator, at  (417) 866-0841  or  KPesek@dioscg.org.