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  Group Says Archdiocese Not Doing Enough to Help Abuse Victims
Priest Abuse Survivors Protest Archdiocese on Holy Day

TheWBALChannel.com [Baltimore MD]
December 8, 2004

BALTIMORE -- Survivors and friends of those who have lived through abuse by priests said Wednesday that the Baltimore Archdiocese is not doing enough to help, WBAL-TV 11 News reporter Lisa Robinson reported.

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) said they want to get the attention of Baltimore's Cardinal William Keeler. The group protested outside of the Archdiocese headquarters on Cathedral Street. But the Archdiocese was closed because Wednesday is a holy day.They said they want Keeler to revise programs to better address the needs of survivors and change the Archdiocese's policies regarding compensation of victims, Robinson reported.

"What we want to do is call attention to Maryland Catholics so that they see that the Archdiocese has been dishonest in their attempts to reconcile and reach out to victims," SNAP representative Kurt Gladfsky said.

SNAP said the last time they brought attention to the issue, six alleged victims came forward.

The Archdiocese issued a statement in response to the protest, saying: "The Archdiocese has implemented extensive training and screening requirements for all employees and volunteers and the STAND program, a core component of this effort, is considered a national model."

The Archdiocese and the cardinal continue to meet with and offer counseling to victims, Robinson said.

Anyone with information about sexual abuse by clergy or other church personnel is urged to contact civil authorities and the Archdiocese.

 
 

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