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Support group for victims of abuse to meet
By Andrew Junker, The Catholic Sun
February 21, 2008
Victims of abuse, their families and friends will have a new resource for healing in Phoenix, thanks in part to the diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, which has partnered with a national abuse support group.
The group is called the Maria Goretti Network and describes itself as a “faith-based, non-profit, self-help support network for victims of abuse.” A series of informational meetings is scheduled to begin next week.
The network is comprised of local chapters, where survivors of any type of abuse — sexual, physical or emotional — and their loved ones can come together in a group setting for support.
“It’s up to each to find their way,” said Miguel Prats of the road to healing and recovery that abuse survivors face. He suffered abuse and founded the Maria Goretti Network as a way to help other survivors.
By patterning the chapter meetings after the confidential, 12-step programs, Prats believes the meetings facilitate healing.
“Recovery and forgiveness, that’s what the Maria Goretti Network is about, and only those two things,” he said. “We just think the example that Maria Goretti gave was absolutely beautiful.”
St. Maria Goretti was an early 20th century Italian girl who was viciously attacked and stabbed by an older neighbor. As she lay dying, she forgave her murderer.
“Miguel was really moved by St. Maria Goretti’s example of healing and forgiveness, that she could forgive the man who assaulted her and killed her,” said Fr. Gavin Vaverek, promoter of justice and victims’ assistance coordinator for the Diocese of Tyler, Texas.
“The Lord that gave Maria Goretti healing can give healing to victims of abuse,” he said.
Fr. Vaverek has worked with Prats on the Maria Goretti Network since its founding three years ago.
The effects of the abuse can also ripple out to the victim’s loved ones, Fr. Vaverek said. That’s why the Maria Goretti Network allows anyone affected by abuse to attend its chapters.
The group setting is what drew Jean Sokol, director of the diocesan Office of Child and Youth Protection, to the Maria Goretti Network.
She is often asked what sort of support is available for victims of abuse. Individual therapy or counseling is often recommended, but many victims feel isolated.
“To be in a group setting and have that support is the ultimate opportunity for healing,” Sokol said.
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