We're excited about the Royal Commission in Australia
In the day since the Royal Commission into Child Abuse began, the commission has already received word that at least 5000 people want to give evidence. This is exciting news.
It’s a sad fact that most of these people will probably not be able to tell their individual stories to the Commission, but the fact that they are coming forward at all is a great sign. While it’s likely that many of these people have already been public about their abuse in the past, it’s equally likely that this commission has given many survivors the courage to break their silence and come forward to say “yes, it happened to me too.”
At the same time, we fear that the number of victims still trapped by their secrecy is ten times the number of those who have come forward. And what we want more than anything is all victims to be heard and counted.
It’s important that people understand the scope of the crimes and cover-up that occur with institutional abuse, and so it’s equally important that all whistleblowers and witnesses follow the example set by these 5000 victims and find the courage to come forward as well. The consequences of these decisions are public and decisive but above all necessary to stop this behavior in the future.
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 3 comments
Could you please explain the specific “mission statement” of the Royal Commission into Child Abuse for me? I admit that while I know they will be listening to victims, beyond that, I don’t know what powers or actions that this commission can take or merely, suggest?
I know that all victims being able to come forward is a laudable goal for SNAP and other like-minded groups; but not knowing if all will ever be heard, and not knowing if there will still be many who simply cannot come forward (and, I personally, hold nothing “against” them, if they cannot), I am still interested in knowing what the designated task(s) and goal and/or specific end result of this commission is. (e.g. new secular laws?)
Thank you.
Lani Halter
Please remember: Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:41, and Luke 17:2 and please note, Christ was talking to interested and concerned adults in these scriptures.
I’m just writing to ask if there is any more news of the commencement of The Royal Commission into Child Abuse in Australia. I know, it’s only been 4 days…but, it’s hard to be patient for good news.
Thank you, if you have any news to report.
Sincerely,
Lani Halter
And, I will pray again, for all those who were abused but have not been able, and may never be able to come forward.
I feel in this new day of accountability, of greater and greater public awareness that it’s quite possible that as many who do come forward, there are equally as many who have already died as a direct result of such heinous physical and mental assault.
I believe there are those who will never be able to overcome the abuse, and who will commit murder and/or suicide to seek relief. I can barely believe that, but I do. And, because I do believe that, I agree with the International Criminal Court who are going to be charging these perpetrators with: “crimes against humanity”.
And, I also believe it is why Christ counseled as he did in the Holy Gospels: in Luke 17:2, Mark 9:41 and Matthew 18:6. that such perpetrators deserve death by drowning. That the perpetrators would be better off dead, than being allowed to continue living.
Remember: Christ’s words found in the bible:
Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:41 and Luke 17:2.