SAN DIEGO, Sept. 16, 2019 – San Diego Catholic Bishop Robert McElroy issued the following statement today:

Today in Los Angeles, the Administrators of the Independent Victim Compensation Program and its Independent Oversight Committee announced that their website was open and that victim-survivors who had been sexually abused by diocesan priests as minors in San Diego and five other California (arch)dioceses could apply for compensation.

The website is www.CaliforniaDiocesesICP.com. Information is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

This is a necessary step to help victim-survivors receive the acknowledgment they deserve and the material help they need. It also continues our work to confront the grievous and unconscionable sins committed by individual priests and the failure of the Church hierarchy to protect young people from harm.

Compensation for this program will come from diocesan funds, insurance and insurance reserves. No money for this program will come from the Annual Diocesan Appeal or any parish resources.
The other (arch)dioceses taking part in the program are Los Angeles, Fresno, San Bernardino, Orange and Sacramento.

Let us always pray for the victims of priestly sexual abuse. The sinful crimes that were committed upon Children of God entrusted to our care are despicable. It must never happen again.