PA--Victims disappointed over Sandusky pension decision
For immediate release: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, davidgclohessy@gmail.com)
We’re disappointed that state officials are not appealing the decision that gives convicted serial child predator Jerry Sandusky a generous pension.
Any time a child molester wins in court or gets special treatment or is publicly honored or benefits after conviction, it’s hurtful to thousands of men and women who were sexually assaulted as kids. It reinforces their mistrust of the justice system and it deters victims, witnesses and whistleblowers from reporting known or suspected child sex crimes.
We would stress to Sandusky’s victims however, that they can heal regardless of what happens to Sandusky. We urge these brave young men to stay focused on their own recovery. And we urge anyone else who may have seen, suspected or suffered Sandusky’s crimes or Penn State’s complicity to speak up, get help, expose wrongdoers, protect kids and deter cover ups.
(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 20,000 members. Despite the word “priest” in our title, we have members who were molested by religious figures of all denominations, including nuns, rabbis, bishops, and Protestant ministers. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, davidgclohessy@gmail.com, SNAPclohessy@aol.com), Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, bdorris@SNAPnetwork.org), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, bblaine@snapnetwork.org)
State won't appeal ruling giving Jerry Sandusky back pension
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's large public-sector pension system isn't appealing a court order restoring state retirement benefits to former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.
A State Employees' Retirement System spokesman says Tuesday that the agency plans to work with Sandusky's lawyers to . . .
Barbara Blaine, founder of SNAP, passed away on Sunday, September 24th, 2017. Her dying was sudden and completely unexpected. Words cannot express our sorrow nor are there words to express our gratitude for her relentless advocacy. She truly was a hero. There is an old saying, “well behaved women seldom make history”. Barbara made history and the world is a better place.
We have put together a tribute for Barbara Blaine to honor her memory. If you would like to contribute a memory, please send your favorite memory of Barbara to admin@snapnetwork.org
SNAP will be Representing Clergy Abuse Survivors in Rome!
SNAP will be Representing Clergy Abuse Survivors in Rome!
We are taking the fight to Rome and are standing up for all survivors on a world stage! From February 19-25, Board President Tim Lennon, Seattle Leader Mary Dispenza, Los Angeles Leader Esther Hatfield Miller and Austin Leader Carol Midboe will be traveling to Rome for Pope Francis' Papal Abuse Summit.
If you are a member of the media and looking to get in touch with these survivors while in Rome, click here for our media advisory and contact information. If you are interested in connecting with a survivor in the US from your area of coverage, please contact one of the SNAP leaders in the US listed below:
- East Coast/DC: Becky Ianni (SNAPvirginia@cox.net, 703-801-6044)
- Midwest/Chicago: Zach Hiner (zhiner@snapnetwork.org, 517-974-9009)
- Midwest/St. Louis: David Clohessy (davidgclohessy@gmail.com, 314314-566-9790)
- West Coast / San Francisco: Melanie Sakoda (melanie.sakoda@gmail.com, 925-708-6175)
If you are looking to help spread the word about the importance of this summit and for survivors to be heard, add your voice to the conversation on social media using the hashtag #PBC2019. Be sure to follow SNAP on twitter and Facebook and share our posts, add your comments, and let the world know that we are watching!
Learn More
Be the first to comment
Sign in with