SBC establishes hotline for survivors of sexual abuse; SNAP responds
(For Immediate Release May 26, 2022)
While this may appear to be a step forward, we remain highly skeptical. It has the feel of a hastily devised public relations move designed to control the aftermath of the scathing report. We cannot stress enough the importance to survivors of having a place to share their information where they know that they will be not only be listened to but more importantly, where they will also be believed.
Many victims, witnesses, and whistleblowers fear coming forward with information about cases of abuse by clergy. There are many reasons for this fear, whether it is due to feelings of shame, or to worries of being blamed or of being singled out as a troublemaker.
It is crucial that abuse victims report the crimes, and we believe that should be to law enforcement first. The SBC has more control and influence on its own officials than it does over tens of thousands of suffering survivors, many of whom feel forced out of the church. We urge the SBC to harshly and immediately denounce and discipline every staffer who ignored or hid abuse. That will deter future cover-ups and will show victims that perhaps calling a church hotline won't just subject them to more harm.
The stories and tips are clearly out there, it just takes someone being present to listen to the survivors for changes to be made.
CONTACT: Mike McDonnell, SNAP Communications Manager([email protected], 267-261-0578), 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
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