Pam Bondi investigating allegations of sexual abuse by Florida priests
October 4, 2018, Associated Press, WFTV
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Florida has launched a statewide criminal investigation into sexual abuse by Catholic priests and is asking past victims to share information with legal authorities. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday her office has set up a website that will allow people to report incidents of past sexual abuse.
"Even if you live in another state now. Even if years have past. We want to hear from you," Bondi said.
At least 15 victims of abuse have already come forward to state authorities, Bondi said.
Bondi said her office has already talked to the seven bishops who oversee Roman Catholic dioceses in the state. She also said that authorities are preparing to issue subpoenas in the case.
The investigation comes in the wake of a Pennsylvania grand jury said more than 1,000 children have been molested there since the 1940s.
Bondi stressed that if someone is being abused currently they need to call 911.
"We love the Catholic religion, the Catholic Church, we love youth organizations and schools, but abuse is abuse," Bondi said.
To submit a tip to the Florida Attorney General's office, click or tap here.
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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