Research to specifically focus on those who were abused by clergy after they turned 18 and reported the abuse to their religious institution

February 17, 2022

My name is Krystal Woolston. I have followed the work of SNAP for a long time but have not had big interactions. I initially started following SNAP in 2013 when I reported a pastor in my denomination (Methodist). I recently gave a talk about my experience at a ted-style UMC conference, so I've included that script as an attachment.

In the time that has passed since then, I started in a Human Development PhD program at Montclair State University (an institution I also work at). I had originally started my PhD program with the intent to focus research on community engagement (the area I currently work in), but as time went on and I struggled with the response from my church and denomination, I realized that this was the area I really wanted to research and hopefully make a meaningful impact on the way religious institutions respond to reports of abuse.

I am focusing my research specifically on those who were abused by clergy after they turned 18 and reported the abuse to their religious institution. I am looking at whether how the institution responds impacts a survivor's well-being, spirituality, and post traumatic growth. I am now at the stage of data collection for my dissertation. I developed a completely anonymous survey (including randomizing IP addresses so locations cannot be detected), with an option to participate in an interview at a later date. I am hoping to collect survey data through April 10th. I've included as an attachment my approved proposal for my research as well.

I'm really passionate about this work and I think the more respondents I hear from the more likely institutions will be willing to make adjustments to policies in their responses, so any assistance at all would be appreciated. Please let me know.

Best,

Krystal

Krystal Woolston (she/her/hers)
Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement
Phone: 973-655-4268
Email: [email protected]

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Michael McDonnell published this page in Blog 2022-02-17 12:10:19 -0600

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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.

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Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.

Interim Executive Director

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