VT, AL - Sex offender wins controversial ruling
He lived in Vermont and Birmingham suburb & won decision in New York
For immediate release: Friday, Oct. 4
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A convicted sex offender who lived in Vermont has won a court ruling in New York that means he won't have to submit to a test to determine whether he's attracted to underage girls. He is David McLaurin.
Everyone, even pedophiles, deserves his humanity. But the humanity of a predator doesn't trump the humanity of innocent kids.
Those who oppose this test should propose alternative ways to protect kids from predators. One in four girls and one in eight boys will be sexually assaulted. Given these horrific numbers, and the devastating life-long effects of childhood sexual abuse, something must change. We as a society must re-examine some of our archaic notions if we are to do more to safeguard the vulnerable.
This test may seem invasive to adults. But raping and sodomizing children is indeed far more invasive, and far more hurtful.
We hope every single person who may have seen, suspected or suffered McLaurin will come forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoing, protect others and start healing.
Contact - David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, [email protected])
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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