SNAP Stands in Solidarity with Abuse Survivors from the Boy Scouts
In the past several weeks, hundreds of survivors of abuse at the hands of Boy Scout leaders have come forward . SNAP stands with these brave survivors as they share what happened to them and to seek to prevent future children from being abused.
Like other victims of institutional abuse, the BSA survivors have shared stories of being intimidated into silence, feelings of shame and guilt, and worries that no one would ever believe them. Just like other institutions that have had massive abuse scandals, the BSA has been accused of concealing cases of abuse and working to keep allegations quiet.
We hope that, as these survivors continue to come forward and share what happened to them, their experiences will lead to meaningful change within the structure of the BSA to ensure that no other children are victimized by someone who is supposed to care for them. If abuse does occur, we hope that it will never again be swept under the rug in order to preserve the reputation of an institution over the safety of children.
We also hope that others who may have been hurt while they were in the scouts will be inspired and encouraged to come forward. When they do, they should first make a report to police, then get help from support groups or therapists, and start healing.
CONTACT: Zach Hiner, 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
Showing 1 comment
I sat and pondered what’s wrong with me. I was raised by my grandparents who made sure my needs were meant. I had everything a young boy could dream of.
I was a very outgoing young man I made all stars in baseball, I was on the mile relay team that sat a school record, I played linebacker in football, I sat 2nd chair violinist in orchestra, I attended church every Sunday, and to top it off I was one merit badge from reaching the highest ranking in scouting. I was senior patrol leader of one of the most respected troops in the big country.
Just like day and night, I quit the BSA, quit playing the violin, quit baseball, track, receiving my first failing grade ever, and became a alcoholic.
I felt like a loser, unwanted, I missed being abused. My scoutmaster after 2 years of showing me love turned his attention onto a younger scout. I was left alone…
I’ve discovered the BSA doesn’t care about it’s fallen victims. I’ve heard their CEO say not only do we want to help the victims start a new beginning but we encourage the victims to come out.. Lies…I was treated horribley,…
I will continue my story later, it’s ashame. I feel worse now then when I kept it to myself..
I’ve never been more ashamed, Iied to, put down, and told my childhood didn’t mean a thing. Thanks Mike CEO, special Thanks to Erin Eisner for pointing out what my childhood was worth. Thanks BSA for making my life feel worthy. What a organization built around greed.