The Bishop has appointed Alicia Owens as the Victim Assistance Coordinator as an independent contractor. She receives allegations and reaches out to alleged victims with provision of counseling, spiritual assistance, support groups or other services. The VAC will listen with compassion and concern, facilitate any additional meetings between the Bishop or another designee and the alleged victim.
The VAC is a competent Catholic Professional who maintains appropriate qualifications. This person shall be responsible for coordinating assistance for the immediate pastoral care of persons who report having been sexually abused as minors by clergy.
If you have a complaint that involves clergy or church personnel, please notify:
Alicia Owens, LBSW, Victim Assistance Coordinator
PO Box 232
Bettendorf, IA 52722-0004
vac@diodav.org 563-349-5002
To report child abuse call the Iowa Attorney General Clergy Abuse hotline at 855-620-7000 (M-F, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) to speak with a trained advocate or the Iowa Department of Human Services Child Abuse Hotline: 800-362-2178. If it involves clergy or church personnel also notify Alicia Owens, Victim Assistance Coordinator: 563-349-5002,
vac@diodav.org or PO Box 232, Bettendorf, IA 52722-0004.