Months after a grand jury report came out bringing to light years of child sexual abuse in the Altoona Johnstown Diocese, victims are still learning to cope.
WTAJ has spoken with many survivors in the area since this all unfolded months ago. Wednesday, we reached out to the diocese to find out how they’re trying to help.
Spokesman Tony DeGol said the recent suicide of a child sexual abuse victim in Ebensburg had a big impact.
“First of all, this all came to be, you know, with the tragic Mr. Gergely and first and foremost, my sincerest sympathy to his family,” DeGol said. “We were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. His situation has brought to the attention of many people that support services need to be made available and there are a lot of support services available.”
Support options can be found through the diocese, county services, or state services like the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and others.
“Obviously the events of the past few months have re-ignited a lot of emotions with those who suffered sexual abuse in the past,” DeGol said. “I don’t think that sexual abuse is something that anyone will ever get over and unless we’ve been a victim of it we cannot fully understand the pain that those survivors go through on a daily basis probably for the rest of their lives.”
The diocese is offering free help to anyone who asks. They urge you to call the office of Catholic Charities of Altoona Johnstown. There, they have experienced counselors to meet with survivors.
Those who do not feel comfortable with talking to a counselor through the diocese can still call that office, and they will help you find a counselor not affiliated with the diocese.
“Certainly in the past few months we have seen more and more people who want to reach out to talk and take advantage of these services available,” DeGol said.
