New Brooklyn Lawsuit Highlights the Fact that the Catholic Abuse Scandal Is Not Limited to Clergy
As this lawsuit against a Catholic nun illustrates, the problem of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church goes beyond just clerics. We believe that by excluding women religious, brothers, lay employees and volunteers from among the named perpetrators, the Diocese of Brooklyn is attempting to minimize the scope of abuse in its see. The diocese also limits the number of perpetrators by excluding order and extern clergy. While Brooklyn is not the only see to adopt this tactic, we believe that to help survivors and the families of victims heal and to protect today's children these lists should be as comprehensive as possible.
While we have no firsthand information about the allegations in this case, we know that false allegations of child sexual abuse are rare. Our hearts ache for the abuse this man endured, and we applaud his courage in coming forward and taking advantage of his rights under the Child Victims Act.
We urge Bishop Nicholas Anthony DiMarzio to do outreach to any others who may have been hurt by this deceased sister. The bishop should publicize all of her work assignments and beg any victims, witnesses, and whistle-blowers to speak up.
We also call on Bishop DiMarzio to add this nun to his list of abusers. In addition, we encourage him to expand the list so it is fully transparent and accurate by including any and all perpetrators - diocesan, order and extern clergy of all ranks, women religious, brothers, lay employees and volunteers. Only when the full extent of the problem is known can future crimes be prevented, survivors and families of victims begin to heal, and parents and caregivers take steps to protect today's children.
CONTACT: Brian R Toale, SNAP Manhattan Leader ([email protected], 646-657-9278), Dan McNevin, SNAP Board Member ([email protected], 415-341-6417), Melanie Sakoda, SNAP Survivor Support Coordinator ([email protected], 925-708-6175) Zach Hiner, SNAP Executive Director ([email protected], 517-974-9009)
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for 30 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)
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