SNAP Applauds Brave Victim in Recent Settlement

October 13, 2023

(For Immediate Release October 13, 2023)

Claude Leboeuf, a SNAP Leader in Rhode Island, recently received a settlement from the Catholic Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts. With the help of his attorney, Mitchell Garabedian, Claude was able to prevail despite the fact that the statute of limitations in his case had expired. Claude, who is now 70, had repressed his memories of being abused at the age of 8 by the Rev. James Porter. The Falls River priest pleaded guilty in 1993 to assaulting 28 other children in the Diocese.

We applaud Claude's bravery, and we hope that his example will encourage other, still-silent victims to come forward to family, friends, therapists, groups like ours, or law enforcement, to seek counsel and to pursue justice. Claude demonstrates that it is never too late for a victim of sexual assault to speak out, regardless of how long ago the crime occurred. Not every survivor will have Claude's level of success, but we believe that when a victim shares their truth it is an important step on the road to healing, which is invaluable.

Claude's case is also a perfect example of delayed disclosure, a common phenomenon in cases of childhood sexual abuse. The average age at which a survivor comes forward is 52. Essentially, this means that the criminal and civil laws in many states across the country do not reflect this reality and need to be changed. We hope that the bill currently in committee in Massachusetts will be successful. Today's children are safer when survivors have the opportunity to expose perpetrators and the institutions that protect the abusers.

Childhood sexual abuse can have a wide range of effects that continue into adulthood. Many survivors experience lifelong problems. We hope that others can find their strength and courage, just as Claude did. Communities are safer because of valiant warriors like Claude.

CONTACT: Mike McDonnell, SNAP Interim Executive Director ([email protected], 267-261-0578), Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Director ([email protected], 925-708-6175) Shaun Dougherty, SNAP Board of Directors President ([email protected], 814- 341-8386)

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 35 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)

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Michael McDonnell published this page in Official SNAP Media Statements 2023-10-13 07:47:35 -0500

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Winter Appeal 2023

To our friends,

2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’

At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.

To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.

Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.

Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.

Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!

Warmly,

Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.

Interim Executive Director

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