Clergy sex abuse victims announce new group forming in England

Victims want Archbishop to announce the identities of all predator priests

US women molested by Catholic priests to visit several European nations

SNAP says those with information on clergy crimes & cover ups must “speak up”

WHAT
Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, two prominent US clergy sex abuse victims and 2 or 3 victims from the UK will
-- express their concern for vulnerable children and wounded adults in England,
-- announce the formation of a confidential self help group for British victims, and
-- beg anyone who saw, suspected or suffer clergy sex crimes to speak up, call police, get help, expose predators, protect others and start healing.

When:
Tuesday, 30th of March, 11:00 a.m.

WHO
Two US women who lead the world’s largest & most highly visible support group for clergy sex abuse victims, called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org) and 2 or 3 victims from England

Where
In front of the Westminster Cathedral at Ambroseden Avenue, Westminster, London SW1P 1QJ

WHY
In response to the clergy sex abuse scandal engulfing Europe, and to pleas for help from European victims, SNAP is launching a permanent self help group in England and holding public outreach and media events in several European nations this week.

Over the past 22 years, SNAP has learned that victims heal best when they break their silence, name their abuser, and get help from independent sources like therapists and self-help groups. Children are best safeguarded, SNAP feels, when victims, witnesses and whistleblowers find the courage to speak up and call law enforcement.

SNAP is sorely disappointed in the Pope’s recent letter to Ireland, especially because despite the widespread sexual victimization of kids in that country, the pontiff still refuses to take decisive actions to ameliorate the crisis.

Formed in 1988 and based Chicago, SNAP has 9,000+ members in the US and around the world. It is a confidential non-profit and its mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded. SNAP has no affiliation with any church organization and helps victims hurt in any denomination. Blaine, a social worker, is SNAP’s founder and president. Dorris is the group’s outreach director.

CONTACT
snapengland@googlemail.com
Barbara Blaine, SNAPblaine@gmail.com +1 312 399 4747
Barbara Dorris, SNAPdorris@gmail.com, +1 314 503 0003
David Clohessy, SNAPclohessy@aol.com, +1 314 566 9790