Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney’s Healing and Support Service offers support to people harmed in church setting

The Healing and Support Service of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and the Diocese of Parramatta provides counseling, therapeutic assistance, and pastoral care to individuals harmed in a church setting. The service also offers emotional, practical, and spiritual support to the family members and loved ones of those affected.

Counselor Lorena Portocarrero said the service works alongside safeguarding offices to assist people who have experienced abuse or other harm. She noted that while many people may hesitate to reach out because the Church is the source of their hurt, the service aims to provide a safe and respectful environment.

Portocarrero explained that the service is separate from, but complements, formal safeguarding processes such as investigations or reparation. She stated that the goal is to offer support and walk with people through their healing process rather than only participating in official procedures.