Pacific News Center
March 16, 2010
http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3839:snap-sending-rep-to-guam-to-draw-attention-to-sexual-abuse-within-islands-church&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156
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In a release, Joelle Casteix says she will arrive on Guam on Monday evening, March 22, the same day that President Barak Obama is slated to arrive.
Casteix is the Southwest Regional Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPNetwork.org), the nation's largest and oldest support group for men and women who have been sexually abused in religious organizations.
She began doing work for Guam's sex abuse victims when numerous men from Guam reached out for her asking for help.
The release states that Casteix is fulfilling a pledge to help child sex abuse victims on Guam.
When she is hear, Casteix says she will:
-- hold confidential support group meetings,
-- schedule drop-in hours for concerned victims and supporters, and
-- organize public events to draw attention to and foster an open dialogue about the issue of child sex abuse in the Archdiocese of Agana.
Casteix says she is a survivor of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. She plans on having at least one confidential support group meeting for survivors of clergy sexual abuse on Tuesday evening March 23 at 7:30 pm (location TBD), where victims can find fellowship, support, healing and empowerment in a confidential peer environment.
In addition, she plans on hold confidential "drop-in" hours for survivors and supporters who are unable or uncomfortable attending a meeting.
"It's time for Guam's survivors to know that they are not alone, the abuse was not their fault, and that they can get empowerment, help and healing," David Clohessy, SNAP National Director said. "We're just sorry that it has taken us so long to visit Guam and start the process."
Casteix also plans two to three media events and will attempt to post information about SNAP in churches and community centers.
ore information on times and locations of events and meetings will be released as they become available. Survivors with questions about events, SNAP, or confidential support group meetings may contact Joelle Casteix at (949) 322-7434, jcasteix@gmail.com or visit www.SNAPnetwork.org.
Contact:
Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, SNAP SW Regional Director, (949) 322-7434
David Clohessy of St. Louis MO, SNAP National Director, (314) 566-9790
Barb Dorris of St. Louis MO, SNAP Outreach Director, (314) 503-0003
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