Safe Environment at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 US

Filing a Complaint

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

The Diocese 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 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 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 Avenue
   Springfield, MO 65806
   (417) 866-0841;

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

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

D. The Assistance Coordinator who is a layperson not in the employ of the Diocese.
            Victim Assistance Coordinators:

                      Kathleen Griesemer, Psy.D., (417) 848-4601
                      John K. Kreymer, Psy.D., DAPA (417) 597-3755
                                                email: psychit2me@hotmail.com

Nothing within this document shall be interpreted to preclude or prohibit the reporting of any incidents 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 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 and the Diocese. The Assistance Coordinator will aid in the immediate pastoral care of persons who claim to have been sexually abused as minors by clergy or other diocesan personnel.

601 South Jefferson Avenue Springfield, MO 65806-3143 417-866-0841 FAX 417-866-1140

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Safe Environment at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 US - Filing a Complaint