Ongoing investigation in Wisconsin clergy and faith abuse charges another predator.
(For Immediate Release February 4, 2022)
Another brave survivor has come to forward and now another charge has been levied against an already convicted child predator, Jon Nystrom. One of the most aggressive and effective probes into clergy and faith abuse by the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office in conjunction with authorities in Waushara, charged Nystrom, a registered sex offender from a conviction in 2019.
Nystrom is now facing charges for a 2009 incident of sexual assault of a minor at Mount Morris camp in Waushara County. The camp is often used by religious organizations for retreats. According to reports, Nystrom was a camp counselor at the time.
It is clear and evident to us that investigation and intervention from secular authorities is the best way to root out ongoing abuse, discover historical cases, and bring healing and prevention to communities. In this case, the victim reported the assault for the first time on Attorney General Josh Kaul's website for clergy and faith leader abuse, the DOJ said. The victim had not told the church or law enforcement before. "This case is possible because of the report made by a brave survivor and the diligent work of investigators, victim service professionals, and prosecutors," Kaul said in a statement.
We hope that by coming forward, the victim can start his healing process. We applaud his courage and know that he has not only helped himself but also his community. We know predators rarely have only one victim, and church camps such as the one described are target-rich environments. An intense outreach effort naming the predator and reaching out to other campers along with scouring of Nystrom’s work history must be undertaken to try and identify other possible victims.
Attorney General Kaul is encouraging anyone with information about other clergy and faith leader abuse to report it online at supportsurvivors.widoj.gov or by calling 1-877-222-2620.
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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