SNAP applauds bill in IL, pushes for further reform
We support the effort in IL led by State Senator Bill Haine (D-Alton) to toughen the sex offender registry. The safety of children and the prevention of future child sexual abuse should always be paramount in discussions about these laws. We are glad that, unlike in neighboring Missouri, lawmakers in IL are focusing on the right priorities.
With that said, we also support giving adults more details about the crimes that caused offenders to be put on the registry. For some, it's helpful to know whether a person was convicted of child porn, child sex abuse, or other offenses. Similarly, with more information being provided to parents and community members, those convicted of these “Romeo and Juliet” crimes would fare better than a serial child predator. It is important to remember that child abuse is rarely a one-time occurrence. By providing the best possible information to the registry and keeping tight controls on child predators, children are much safer.
However, we still believe that energy is being misspent by focusing on the sex offender registry. The best way to protect children and to prosecute those who abuse kids is to reform the archaic and predator-friendly statute of limitations laws that do more to protect abusers and prevent justice. By reforming these laws, more child molesters will be caught, charged, convicted, and ousted from jobs and so that more children are safeguarded.
Senator Haine’s bill, SB 3359, is a good step in the right direction. We encourage Sen. Haine and the rest of the Illinois legislature to take their commitment to protect children one step further and work now to reform the statute of limitations.
Read the story here: http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/illinois-missouri-on-opposite-ends-of-sex-offender-list-debate/article_2f7175bc-ca92-5f55-b5c7-90c15d3ccc7d.html
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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