Milwaukee
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Awake was founded in August 2019 by a group of Catholics in Milwaukee and initially focused on bringing change and healing within the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. In September 2023, we unveiled an updated mission statement and officially broadened our geographic focus: we seek to work in collaboration with the entire Church to serve the people of God in the United States and beyond. Awake remains rooted in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, where we began, and our mission is now more inclusive of the many people throughout the United States who are key members of the Awake community.
In December 2019, Awake submitted a list of questions to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, seeking a greater understanding of the local response to the issue of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Between February and July 2020, the Archdiocese provided responses to all of these questions. These questions and responses can be found, divided into eight categories, here.
In September 2022, we offered the Archdiocese of Milwaukee a recommended series of next steps the Archdiocese can take to build on the progress that has already been made. These recommendations emerge from our accompaniment with victim-survivors and reflect extensive research into the best practices already implemented by other Catholic dioceses in the United States. Click here to read the entire document.
Wisconsin Attorney General Investigation
In April 2021, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced the start of a statewide investigation of sexual abuse by religious leaders in the Catholic Church and other faith communities. Click here to read or watch the remarks offered by Awake executive director, Sara Larson, at the launch of the investigation.
MAKING A REPORT FOR THE INVESTIGATION
There are two ways to make a report – by calling the reporting hotline at 877-222-2620 to speak to a victim service specialist, or by completing an online form at the reporting website SupportSurvivors.widoj.gov. If you have questions about this process, we encourage you to review the extensive information and FAQs at the reporting website.
If you would like support in this reporting process, Awake would be honored to walk with you. Please contact Sara Larson at saralarson@awakemilwaukee.org to begin the conversation.
COVERAGE ON THE AWAKE BLOG
The Awake blog is providing ongoing coverage of the Wisconsin Attorney General investigation into sexual abuse by clergy and faith leaders. You can view our posts on the topic at these links:
6/27/23 – Awake Asks Questions From Survivors About Wisconsin’s Clergy and Faith Leader Investigation
4/25/23 – Two Years Into Wisconsin’s Faith Leader Investigation, McCarrick is Charged, Survivors Can Still Report
2/1/22 – Taking Stock of Wisconsin’s Investigation into Sexual Abuse by Faith Leaders
11/2/21 – What Happens if I Make a Report to the Wisconsin Clergy Abuse Hotline?
7/20/21 – What’s Happening with the Wisconsin Investigation of Abuse by Clergy and Religious Leaders?
6/22/21 – Archdiocese of Milwaukee Raises Doubts About Statewide Abuse Investigation, Awake Responds
5/26/21 – Courageous Conversation: Understanding Wisconsin’s Clergy Abuse Investigation (includes event recording)
5/11/21 – When Michigan Investigated Clergy Sexual Abuse, My Former Pastor was Arrested
5/4/21 – As Wisconsin Clergy Abuse Investigation Begins, Survivors Respond with Hope—and Reservations
4/27/21 – Attorney General Starts Statewide Investigation of Clergy Sexual Abuse in Wisconsin
4/23/21 – Wisconsin Attorney General to Launch Investigation into Clergy Abuse
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