Monday, Nov. 26, 2007

Abusive priest pleads guilty; Sex abuse victims respond

Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell)

While we are grateful that Fr. Daniel Clark's victims will be spared the ordeal of a trial, we are worried that he may molest again. Kids are safest when serial predators are jailed.

It's crucial that others who saw, suspected or suffered Clark's crimes continue to come forward, get help and call the police.

Sadly, in this plea bargain, like in other cases regarding clergy sex crimes and cover ups, the Catholic hierarchy (which knew he molested kids yet stayed silent) again escapes accountability. it's discouraging that the higher ups almost always evade consequences for their immoral and illegal misconduct.

We applaud the district attorney and Clark's brave victims for persisting in this struggle for justice and prevention. All too often, sexual predators exploit legal technicalities and go free, and timid prosecutors fail to bring charges again. Despite an unfortunate Supreme Court ruling, District Attorney Michael Mann and Clark's victims were willing to go forward again and try to get this dangerous sex offender behind bars. Because of their courage and dedication, kids are now safer.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. We’ve been around for 17 years and have more than 7,000 members across the country. 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, 314-645-5915 home), Ann Brentwood (865 607 6119), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688), Mary Grant (626-419-2930), Mark Serrano (703-727-4940)