By Rebecca Solomon
WJFW [Wisconsin]
February 11, 2007
http://www.wjfw-nbc12.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4846&Itemid=51
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Newswatch 12's Rebecca Solomon spoke with victims of clergy abuse and tells us why some say clergy abuse is a problem right here in Northern Wisconsin.
It's a small town of about 1,700 people...but in the small town of Phillips, some people say a preditor once lived and worked at the St. Theresa's Catholic Parish. Members of 'The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests,' also known as, 'SNAP,' say they want abuse by clergy to end.
Member, Connie Ross, says "When you've been abused, you feel like you're the only one"
Ross says that for every one victim who comes out and tells their abuse story...there's 100 other people who don't tell....Ross and other members of SNAP, say they want to help those vicitms of clergy abuse.
Ross says, "First of all, we want to heal. Going to court and seeking justice becomes secondary...I want to feel good about myself and not carry guilt and shame."
Central Wisconsin Coordinator of SNAP, Dave Schauer, says Wisconsin is the safest place for a pedafile priest..and that there is not a law to bring a civil cause of action to any religious organization. He adds that SNAP has prevented some sexual abuse from occuring...more information is getting out to public, preventing sexual abuse.
SNAP adds that they urge members of St. Theresa and any other parish, who suspect, have witnessed, or are victims of sexual assault to seek professional assistance and report to the law enforcement what they know.
Newswatch 12 has contacted and left a message for the Wisconsin Diocese of Superior...they have not yet returned our phone call.
If you would like to get in touch with SNAP, log onto www.SNAP-GreatPlains.org, or call 952-471-3422
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