PA--Victims applaud “huge win” in Penn State whistleblower case

For immediate release, December 1, 2016

Statement by David Clohessy of SNAP (314 566 9790, [email protected])

We’re thrilled that jurors sided with ex-Penn State coach Mike McQueary who reported child sex crimes by Jerry Sandusky. We suspect that many across the US who’ve kept silent about suspected sexual violence are now sweating a bit. We hope that many of them will realize “better late than never,” bite the bullet, and call 911 in the days ahead to share what they know or suspect about likely crimes so kids will be safer.

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-award-for-penn-state-whistleblower-in-sandusky-scandal-rises-to-12-million-2016-11

We’re grateful that McQueary brought and succeeded with his civil lawsuit against university officials. Those who report child sex crimes - known or suspected - should be praised, not punished. Those who have been “whistleblowers” should consider similar legal action to expose and punish those who are being “enablers” to child molesters.

Some may feel that $12 million is a lot to pay one person. We see it differently. Big penalties deter wrongdoing. And perhaps no wrongdoing is more crucial to stop than the hiding or ignoring of heinous sexual violence, because it causes such damage and is so apt to be repeated.

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-award-for-penn-state-whistleblower-in-sandusky-scandal-rises-to-12-million-2016-11

In the wake of this historic verdict, again, we hope tens of thousands of people lose some sleep, search their consciences, summon some courage and call law enforcement so more Jerry Sanduskys can be caught, convicted and kept away from kids.

Ask yourself: “Am I vulnerable to prosecution or litigation because I’ve kept silent about a possible molester?” Then take action. It’s your moral duty. It’s your civic duty. And you’ll sleep better at night.

(SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the world’s oldest and largest support group for clergy abuse victims. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 20,000 members. 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, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])