Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests Starting Local Chapter

By Dave Sutor
The Tribune-Democrat
February 17, 2017

http://www.tribdem.com/news/survivors-network-of-those-abused-by-priests-starting-local-chapter/article_f1db2fae-f4b3-11e6-b82b-7b863851670d.html


A well-known advocacy group for child sexual abuse victims is setting up a chapter in the Altoona–Johnstown area.

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests plans to hold its first confidential support meeting in Ebensburg on Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.

SNAP is establishing its local group in response to the ongoing abuse scandal within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona–Johnstown.

“There is so much pain and hurt there that there needs to be support there,” said Judy Jones, the organization’s Midwest associate director.

In March, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General issued a report that provided details about an alleged decades-long coverup in which the diocese protected at least 50 priests and other religious leaders who were accused of abuse.

“When the grand jury report came out and it was so explicit, for normal human beings to see that, it really seemed like it hit hard,” Jones said.

The group – with two local leaders – plans to hold support meetings on a monthly basis.

Victims interested in attending the first session can confidentially call Jones at 636-433-2511.

“I think that’s good news,” said Richard Serbin, a Blair County lawyer who has represented scores of individuals victimized by religious leaders associated with the diocese.

“So many victims contact me who feel it was just them, that Father so-and-so molested them and there must be a reason for him having done that, and they feel in some way guilty for letting it happen.

“It’s only when they realize there were other victims that were abused by the same predator they know they weren’t alone.”

SNAP, established in 1988, is a nonprofit organization with more than 20,000 members that meet in dozens of cities across the world. Its mission is to provide support to victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by religious leaders.

The organization’s founder, Barbara Blaine, and executive director, David Clohessy, recently resigned in the wake of a lawsuit filed by a former employee who alleged the nonprofit exploits survivors and takes kickbacks from attorneys in the form of donations. Both claimed their departures had nothing to do with the legal issue.

dsutor@tribdem.com