Survivor Assistance Coordinator

Survivors of any form of sexual abuse or misconduct by a member of Subiaco's monastic community or an employee or volunteer of Subiaco, are invited and urged to come forward to begin a process of healing. Survivors may contact Dr. Michael Bland, our Survivor Assistance Coordinator. A Survivor Assistance Coordinator is an individual designated by the Abbot to receive and coordinate the handling of allegations of child sexual abuse by members of Subiaco.

Subiaco is committed to providing victims of sexual abuse with appropriate professional and spiritual assistance to address the consequences of the abuse. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator will respond promptly to persons who contact him concerning sexual abuse of a minor by a monk, employee, or volunteer and will offer to meet with them. The purpose of the meeting is to acknowledge the allegation, empathetically listen to the alleged victim, inform the individual of the help which is available, and the procedures of the investigation. When the Survivor Assistance Coordinator has reason to suspect that someone has sexually abused a minor, he will immediately refer the matter to the Arkansas Hotline for Crimes Against Children.

Aware of the sensitive nature of a complaint of sexual abuse for both the person bringing the complaint and for the individual involved, Subiaco does strive to keep the process confidential. However, the person bringing the complaint is informed that in keeping with Subiaco policy, the Abbot, the attorneys for Subiaco, the individual accused (monk, employee, or volunteer), law enforcement, and the Subiaco Review Board, will all be informed of the particulars of the complaint.

The Survivor Assistance Coordinator works with each individual to determine the assistance that is necessary and appropriate. This may include counseling, spiritual assistance, and referrals to support groups. As appropriate and if requested, the Survivor Assistance Coordinator will assist the victim in obtaining outpatient counseling, recommend licensed and qualified providers, and facilitate spiritual and mental health support. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator will keep in contact with the individual and his or her family, if appropriate. The Survivor Assistance Coordinator also keeps the person making the allegation informed of the progress of the review and outcome. 

If you have been abused, then please call law enforcement and also speak with Dr. Bland. You can find the contact information by clicking HERE.