The Catholic Church believes human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Any act of abuse or sexual exploitation by those in ministry, particularly against children or those who are vulnerable, will not be tolerated. Whether the abuse happened a long time ago or is currently happening, anyone who believes they, or another, has been abused by church personnel is encouraged to report the abuse first to the appropriate law enforcement agency and then to the Diocesan Office of Office of Child and Youth Protection. If you suspect abuse has occurred within a family unit contact the S.C. Department of Social Services. If you suspect abuse has occurred outside of the family, please contact the police in the jurisdiction where the abuse is thought to have occurred. For confidential access to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call: 843-856-0748 or 800-921-8122.

The Church seeks healing and reconciliation with the Victims/Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Article 2 of the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People establishes directives for promoting this healing:

“… Dioceses are to have a competent person or persons to coordinate assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who report having been sexually abused as minors.“

The Diocese of Charleston has policies and procedures in place for effectively dealing with the disclosure of sexual victimization. One of the most crucial aspects of our response to an allegation of abuse is the involvement of the Victim Assistance Coordinator whose mandate is to coordinate referrals and assistance for the immediate pastoral care of the person victimized, within a setting of compassion, acceptance, privacy and respect. The main focus of the VAC is primarily the emotional and spiritual well-being and healing of those, who as minors, have been affected by the sexually abusive conduct of any priest, deacon, religious or lay person of the Diocese of Charleston.

Our Victim Assistance Coordinator, Nicole Cook, LISW-CP, is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in multiple school-based positions, hospital settings, and outpatient agencies. She has experience working with all ages and specializes in anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, motivation, focus/concentration, and life transitions.

Nicole completed her Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina. The professional experience acquired through years of working in mental health roles in different settings with great mentors and serving a diverse clientele enables her to offer helpful guidance and support to those with whom she works. She brings to the position a genuine commitment to providing compassionate care, support for those needing her services and appropriate referrals for those in need of psychiatric or psychological care.

Our Pledge to Heal

… individuals

  • individual spiritual direction under the guidance of approved, trained spiritual directors.
  • individual counseling, on a time limited basis, that provides therapeutic support to complement other efforts toward healing and wholeness.

Professional Resource Identification: assistance in one’s search for other professional resources that one’s individual circumstances require in their journey to wholeness.

… parishes and parish staffs

To help bring spiritual and emotional healing the Victim Assistance Coordinator offers consultation and support to the victim, the victim’s family, the parish, and the parish staff.

For confidential access to the Victim Assistance Coordinator, please call: 843-856-0748 (or) 800-921-8122.

“Holy Spirit, comforter of hearts, heal your people’s wounds and transform our brokenness.
Grant us courage and wisdom, humility and grace,
so that we may act with justice and find peace in you.”

– Prayer for Healing 
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, © 2004