MD--Important SOL hearing Tuesday in Maryland
At 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 8th, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hear testimony about proposed legislation to extend the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse. Senator Robert Young, supported by victim advocacy organizations, such as SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests and Pastors, SNAPnetwork.org) is working again to relax the civil statute of limitations (SOL).
Currently, in most Maryland cases, the civil SOLs are three years after a victim turns 18. As a mother of a sexual abuse victim, I know that is not enough time for survivors to expose predators, protect kids and receive justice. The primary force lobbying AGAINST this sorely needed reform is the Catholic church hierarchy. (Wonder why?? Watch the 2016 Academy Award's Best Picture "Spotlight.")
Victims are often not able come forward about their trauma into their adulthood - as seen in the recent criminal conviction of Nate Morales, the former worship and youth leader of CLC formerly of SGM (now SGC) His victims did not come forward until their late 30s and early 40s. If they had not been able to receive a criminal conviction in this case, they would not have been able to sue in a civil court either given Maryland’s current predator-friendly statutes.
Criminal and civil laws are like the two bookends that hold up our judicial system to enable justice for victims and protect the society. Come join me in testifying for the extending of Maryland’s civil SOLs on child sexual abuse.
Thank you.
Pam Palmer, [email protected]
Text of proposed bill, MD-SB69: https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/SB69/2016
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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