The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
SNAP Press Statement
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Mississippi lawmakers have increased penalties for adults who refuse to report child sex crimes and suspicions to law enforcement
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)
We're grateful that lawmakers have increased penalties for adults who refuse to report child sex crimes and suspicions to law enforcement. We desperately hope that this new law will protect kids and deter recklessness and cowardice on the part of adults who see or suspect child molestation.
At the same time, we remain absolutely convinced that the single most effective legislative remedy that can truly safeguard kids is the elimination or extension of archaic, predator-friendly statues of limitations that prevent child sex abuse victims from exposing dangerous predators in court.
(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)
Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688)
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
www.snapnetwork.org