SNAP responds: Steubenville priest accused of sex abuse

For immediate release: May 27, 2018

Statement by: Judy Jones, SNAP Midwest Regional Leader: 636-433-2511, [email protected]

We commend the brave victim for coming forward with their allegation of abuse which the church considers credible. Due to the allegations Msgr Mark Froehlich has been removed.  

http://www.wtrf.com/news/allegations-of-sexual-abuse-against-local-priest/1202510585 

Too many victims are scared and afraid and suffer in silence. The courage of the survivor telling their story provides hope to other victims.

Church officials wrongly tell us that incidents such as this case can be reported to Diocesan officials or authorities. All incidents of child sex abuse must be reported to the police or child protective services. The church officials are not the proper officials to be investigating child sex crimes as we have seen a history of church authorities covering up for clergy who abuse children. If you have been abused or have a reasonable suspicion of abuse, please report to the police. 

(SNAP, the Survivors Network, is the world's oldest and largest support group for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings. SNAP was founded in 1988 and has more than 25,000 supporters. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org ) 

Contact  -  Judy Jones, (636-433-2511, [email protected]), Tim Lennon (415-312-5820, [email protected]), Becky Ianni (703-801-6044, [email protected])