Victims Assistance

The Victims Assistance Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston serves as the primary contact person for persons who were sexually abused as a minor (less than 18 years of age) by clergy, employees or volunteer ministers of the Church. The Coordinator works to establish and maintain a relationship of trust between the diocese and the victims.

The Victims Assistance Coordinator offers pastoral outreach, in the name of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, to those victims/survivors of sexual abuse as a minor. This office also coordinates victim/survivor support groups and other therapeutic and pastoral assistance.

United with the Lord, who is ever faithful in caring for His people, the Victim's Assistance Coordinator seeks to help heal the pain and suffering caused by sexual misconduct within the Church.

If you are seeking Victims Assistance, please contact Victims Assistance Coordinator Diane Vines at vac@archgh.org or confidential voicemail  713-654-5799.

At that time the disciples approached Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a child over, placed it in their midst, and said, "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. "Whoever causes one of these little ones* who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. - Matthew 18: 1-6

Important Victims Assistance Documents

Requirements for Reporting  Abuse of a Minor (English)
Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People
Archdiocesan Policy and Procedure for Investigating Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Clergy Against a Minor