Statement Regarding Shanley Verdict

February 7, 2005

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago (312 399 4747)
Founder and President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

We are relieved and grateful. We are especially grateful to the brave men and women who were assaulted by Shanley and came forward. Because of their courage, innocent children and vulnerable adults are safer now.

We hope that the judge will lock up Shanley for a long time. That's the only way to ensure that he doesn't rape another innocent child or vulnerable adult.

There is no magic age at which child molesters suddenly become "cured." So despite Shanley's age, the only prudent assumption is that he's still a danger to others.

He may seem elderly, frail or even contrite. But his physical prowess or emotional state isn't what matters. What matters is the safety of innocent people. For their sake, Shanley needs to be behind bars for a long time.

CONTACT:
David Clohessy of St. Louis (314) 566-9790 cell
Barbara Blaine of Chicago (312) 399 4747 cell
Mark Serrano, SNAP Board Member 703 727 4940 cell, 703 771 9606
Peter Isely, SNAP Board Member 414 429 7259 cell, 414 963 8617