People often ask SNAP leaders "What specifically can I do to help?"

Here are some quick and easy ways you can prevent future abuse, and help already wounded survivors to heal.

Always ask yourself "Does this make it easier for victims to find help and come forward?" because that's the fundamental question. Kids are safe, abusers are exposed and parents are warned ONLY when victims are able to report their crimes. If victims and witnesses stay silent, nothing changes.

1) Learn about "safe touch." Make sure your kids know about it. Encourage your school, athletic league, YWCA, and other youth groups to offer such prevention programs.

2) Report suspected abuse, no matter how vague it might seem or how long ago it might have happened.

3) Support legislative reform efforts that make it easier for victims to report crimes and pursue their abusers in court. Especially important are extending/eliminating the civil and criminal statutes of limitations.

4) Join one or more of the independent lay reform groups that are working tirelessly to make the church a healthier place and force some accountability from bishops.

5) Every chance you get, write and submit letters to the editor on this subject. Studies show letters are one of the most widely read parts of any newspaper. And as long as the issue is discussed in public, everyone learns and everyone benefits. (See tips on our website: ( www.SNAPnetwork.org )

6) Find/create chances for survivors to speak publicly. When people hear about our experiences, they become more concerned. When we have a chance to be heard, we heal. Whether it's Catholic or non-Catholic, large or small, urge your organization to have a survivor come and speak.

7) Ask your pastor or others to print material about SNAP in church bulletins or publications. ("Abused by clergy? There's help. SNAP is a confidential self-help group. Call 314-862-7688 or go to www.SNAPnetwork.org "). Victims come forward when they feel welcomed and know they'll be supported. That, in turn, makes the church safer for everyone.

8) Think back to former students, parishioners, and staff who may have lived near or worked around suspected abusers. It's hard to do, but discuss the abuse with them.

9) Remain vigilant. Complacency never protects kids. Only continued concern and awareness does.

10) Remain skeptical. Remember, many of the same church officials who once told us "We know of no abuse in this diocese" and "Fr. Mike's problem is an aberration" and "We would never transfer a molester" are now trying to tell us everything's OK. Judge church leaders on their deeds, not their words.

11) If you feel obliged to "support" an accused cleric, even if you feel the allegation is baseless, please do so privately. Publicly backing a suspected molester contributes to an intimidating climate that makes it harder for victims and witnesses to come forward. So pray for the accused, visit him/her, bring him/her food, and comfort him/her one-on-one. Remember, the victim and/or the victim's family may also be members of your parish and deserve the same Christian attitude during this very difficult time.

12) Donate to SNAP and ask your friends to do the same.