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  SNAP Holding Meetings With Victims of Sexual Abuse In The Catholic Church

By Mana Silva Taijeron
Pacific News Center
March 24, 2010

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3959:snap-holding-meetings-with-victims-of-sexual-abuse-in-the-catholic-church&catid=45:guam-news&Itemid=156

GUAM -- They are here to set up a support network for victims of sexual abuse by Guam priest and this week meetings are being held to offer help to those victims who otherwise have not been given any. SNAP believes sexual abuse is rampant within Guam's Catholic Church and while trying to force the church to acknowledge such cases exists, the group also wants the church to provide care to the victims.

The New York Times reports that Catholic sexual abuse cases have declined since 2004, and the local church also reports there have not been any Catholic priest charged or convicted of sexual abuse, but still the survivors network for those abused by Catholic priests is certain there have been cases of sexual abuse by Catholic priests- but believes many of those cases have gone unreported.


But snap hopes to provide an avenue for victims to come forward and seek the support they need.

Southwest Regional Director Joelle Casteix says many of the victims who have come forward are men, but there are many women who have also been abused, but are more reluctant to report the abuse.

Casteix has urged the Arch Diocese to step up and acknowledge that there have been sexual abuses cases within the church, and has also called on the arch bishop to release names of those priests alleged to have abused children. The bishop however has staunchly refuted the claims saying no clergyman on Guam has been charged or convicted of sexual abuse.

There has been no statement from the arch diocese since then.

In the meantime, Casteix will be holding meetings with victims- tonight and tomorrow:

There is also a 1-800 number victims can call, and other services that are being set up locally to assist people. The website to go to is www.snapnetwork.org

The Arch Diocese has not commented on the allegations, their public affairs officer is off island until tomorrow. The Arch Bishop is also reportedly off island until tomorrow. The Arch Bishop is also reportedly off island as well.

 
 

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