For immediate release: Thursday, August 8, 2013

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com)

Shame on the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn and the board and staff of St. Francis Prep for trying to intimidate victims of sexual abuse and harassment.

For decades, judges, courts, prosecutors and lawmakers across the US have let victims of sex crimes and sexual harassment seek justice while protecting their privacy. A small number of ruthless defendants, however, insist on trying to force victims to disclose their identities. This mean-spirited and desperate maneuver is designed to scare other victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers into keeping quiet.

We believe and hope it will backfire. We hope every single person who saw, suspected or suffered crimes, misdeeds or cover ups by Franciscan Brothers – at St. Francis Prep or elsewhere – will find the courage to speak up, get help, expose wrongdoers, warn parents, protect the vulnerable and deter future misconduct.

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