Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

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Michigan lawmakers renew effort to give sex abuse victims more time to sue

June 07, 2023

LANSING (MI)Associated Press [New York NY] June 6, 2023 By Joey Cappelletti Michigan lawmakers introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday that would give victims of sexual abuse more time to sue for damages as the state again looks to overhaul laws following multiple sexual abuse scandals. The legislation, which appeared before a committee Tuesday afternoon, would expand the civil statute of limitations for sex abuse victims from age 28 to 52. If enacted, victims would also have a two-year window to sue retroactively, regardless of the time limit. The new measures would allow victims of the late Dr. Robert Anderson at the University of Michigan and others additional time to bring lawsuits that have previously been barred by the statute of limitations. Government entities could not use the immunity defense if they knew or should have known of an accused’s prior sexual misconduct and failed to intervene. In 2018, Michigan increased the statute of limitations to 28 years old following the conviction of Larry Nassar, who sexually abused hundreds of female athletes under the guise of medical treatment, including at Michigan State University. Advocates say the time limit still denies delayed justice for many victims who often keep trauma to themselves, citing research that shows many victims don’t come forward until their 50s. Vermont, Maine and Maryland have removed the statute of limitations for child sex crime lawsuits.

Registered sex offender remained an Orthodox Archpriest: SNAP appalled at this incomprehensible decision

June 08, 2023

(For Immediate Release June 8, 2023) A recently deceased Archpriest in the Diocese of the South (DOS), Orthodox Church in America (OCA), apparently continued bear the title of “archpriest,” despite being a registered sex offender. We are absolutely shocked that Archpriest Benjamin Henderson, who was convicted of possessing child pornography, was never defrocked. We have written to the late Fr. Henderson’s hierarch, Archbishop Alexander Golitzin, asking him to explain how such a travesty came about, despite evidence that the DOS was at least aware that the priest had been charged with this heinous crime. A copy of the letter is linked below. Child pornography is NOT a victimless crime. The images of the very real boys and girls who appear in the photos and videos are traded and used indefinitely, leading to a lifetime of victimization. Moreover, studies have shown a strong correlation between those downloading these disturbing images and those who abuse children themselves. At least 50 percent of those who consume such material also admit to child sexual abuse. Accordingly, we urge the DOS and the OCA to not only give a complete and transparent public account as to why Archpriest Henderson was never defrocked, but also to do outreach to every parish where the clergyman worked, begging anyone who may have experienced abuse by him to come forward and get help. Finally, we believe that the DOS and the OCA should also directly notify any other Orthodox jurisdictions or religious institutions where Archpriest Henderson previously worked of his conviction, so that those groups can do the same outreach. CONTACT: Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Coordinator ([email protected], 925-708-6175), Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager (mmcdonn[email protected], 267-261-0578), Shaun Dougherty, President, SNAP Board of Directors ([email protected], 814- 341-8386), Zach Hiner, Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009) (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)

Catholic Educator Under Investigation in California; SNAP Responds

June 08, 2023

(For Immediate Release June 8, 2023) According to a report from NBC Bay Area, an adult altar server at an Oakland Catholic church, who also worked as a theology teacher at Marin Catholic High School, is being investigated by the Oakland police. The educator, Jonathan Chavez, is accused of sending inappropriate electronic communications of a sexual nature to an underage altar server at the parish. According to the Diocese of Oakland, the crime was reported to them by the child's parents on April 19, 2023, and the Diocese reported to Child Protective Services (CPS) the same day. The Diocese also contacted Marin Catholic High School on the 19th, informing administrators there of the accusations. We commend this family for taking the initiative to report Mr. Chavez. However, we are troubled that the Oakland Diocese did not immediately call law enforcement. CPS is not there to investigate crimes, and although this particular report ultimately found its way to the police, there was no reason to take this extra step. We are also troubled that the Diocese waited nearly a month before informing the parents of the other altar servers at the church, as well as its parishioners, of the accusations.

Virginia Attorney General Secures Conviction of Former Priest; SNAP responds

June 07, 2023

(For Immediate Release June 7, 2023) Richmond, VA -- Attorney General Jason Miyares today announced that Scott Asalone, a former priest of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Purcellville, Va., was sentenced by a Loudon County Circuit Court Judge to an eight-year prison term for carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old child. The sexual abuse occurred in 1985 when Asalone, now 66, was 29 and the victim was 14. In addition to the sentence handed down by the Court, Asalone is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and to have no contact with the victim. This example plainly proves that victims can heal and do not have to suffer in shame and secrecy. No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, it is still significant to investigators and us. The victim's bravery aided in the prosecution of a predator and the removal of filth from society. Jason Miyares, the Attorney General of Virginia, deserves our thanks. Thank you also to the Virginia State Police and the Major Crimes Unit for their outstanding work on this case.

SNAP to hold Sidewalk Press Conference in Baltimore

May 08, 2023

The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) will speak about the new revelations thatidentify many of the redactions that were made in the Attorney Genera’s report on the Child SexualAbuse in the Archdiocese of Maryland https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/press/2022/111722.pdf https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/religion/john-krzyanski-joseph-omeara-samuel-lupico-catholic-sex-abuse-report-NTWFDCHPJBHBVPU6OIGNRJTTG4/ https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/investigations/bs-md-church-officials-sexual-abuse-redacted-20230504-pngpc2eym5ehjjocmgttwg3o4q-story.html WHAT: A sidewalk news conference, abuse survivors and advocates who are part of SNAP, the SurvivorsNetwork of those Abused by Priests, will speak about the information revealed by the two majornewspapers in Baltimore. We know that several of the officials were completely complicit incovering up and enabling abusers. WHEN: Monday, May 8th at 11:30 am WHERE: In front of the Archdiocese of Baltimore office, 320 Cathedral St. Baltimore, MD 21201WHO: 7-10 abuse survivors and advocates, including the Maryland SNAP Leader David Lorenz, whowants to see church officials remove any and all priests who knowingly mislead victims or enabledabusers to continue harming children by their actions or lack of action.

SNAP writes abusers names on sidewalk

April 21, 2023

SNAP writes abusers names on sidewalk Victims group wants five more predators exposed Group says they should be listed on church website Four of them are alive; three likely still live in this area SNAP blasts bishop: “Your secrecy is endangering kids” Diocese now has almost 50 publicly accused clergy molesters

Victim Survivors and Advocates Applaud Maryland Attorney General Report and Passage of Child Victims Act

April 06, 2023

(Media Advisory for April 7, 2023) Victims applaud the release of the Maryland Attorney General Report They also announce the passage of the Child Victim’s Act (CVA) Demand that the Church add the 30 new names in the AG to their list and stop using hair-splitting distinctions to avoid being transparent Demand that the Church provide the assignment history, last known location, and employment of perpetrators listed in the AG report Demand that the Church stop fighting the constitutionality of the CVA WHAT: Holding signs and childhood photos at a sidewalk news conference, clergy sex abuse victims and their supporters will announce the passage of the CVA along with the release of the scathing Attorney General report. , -- Demand that the Archdiocese explain their recklessness and continued secrecy in not listing the 30 newly named perpetrators. -- Celebrate the passage of the CVA and look forward to having it signed by the Governor of Maryland. -- Demand that the Archdiocese of Baltimore provides work and assignment history for each of the perps listed in the report, their last known location as well as whether they know if the perp is still living. -- Demand that the dioceses of Washington DC and Wilmington, DE publicly release the information that they have given to the AG. WHEN: Friday, April 7th at 11:00 AM.

Take Action and Stop Child Sexual Abuse

If you see child sexual abuse, or have a reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse or your child has been sexually abused, call 911 or your local police immediately.

If you suspect abuse, call the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or visit the Child Help Hotline. Trained crisis operators staff the lines 24/7 to answer your questions. If necessary, they will show you how to report in your local area.

Child pornography is a federal crime. If you see or suspect images that may be child pornography, report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTip Line.

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Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

SNAP News

Michigan lawmakers renew effort to give sex abuse victims more time to sue

Registered sex offender remained an Orthodox Archpriest: SNAP appalled at this incomprehensible decision

Catholic Educator Under Investigation in California; SNAP Responds

Virginia Attorney General Secures Conviction of Former Priest; SNAP responds

SNAP to hold Sidewalk Press Conference in Baltimore

SNAP writes abusers names on sidewalk

Victim Survivors and Advocates Applaud Maryland Attorney General Report and Passage of Child Victims Act

STAY TUNED FOR EXCITING INFORMATION ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THE 2023 CONFERENCE

Take Action and Stop Child Sexual Abuse

CHILD USA, in partnership with SNAP, has developed Survivor Toolkits to help survivors understand their rights and guide them through the empowering but challenging process of filing a civil lawsuit.

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