Welcome

By Tim Lennon
Stand Up, Speak Up (blog)
April 1, 2020

http://standupspeakup.org/

I am starting this blog for several reasons. My work with survivors of rape and sexual abuse generates a fair amount of correspondence and research. Typically, I reply to each survivor on a case by case basis. Here, I want to share some of that information to those who might find it useful.

Also, I want to document the day to day, week to week challenges of the work being done. These challenges evoke responses and commentary that others might find interesting.

I want to have a broad spectrum of information easily accessible in one place. For instance, for those who have be harmed by sexual abuse I want to ensure that you can find resources to help you. See the section on Survivor Support. If you can’t find the help you need, contact me, I will make every effort to help.

I have a substantial section on the organization that I work with, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, SNAP. They work to help survivors of sexual abuse, protect children and the vulnerable and advance advocacy work to make a safer community.

No commentary itself fails without a plan of Action to improve the conditions where abuse happens. I have included a section of various plans, initiatives, and actions to check out. Fighting back is the best remedy. Engage with others and take action.

My path to advocacy started in response to violent rape and sexual abuse when I was twelve years old. It has caused considerable harm that challenges me daily. I have documented My Story here with some of the documentation I sent the Church in 1996 and more documentation when I confronted the Bishop in 2016.

I have a substantial section of Resources, links, and connections to dozens of sister organizations. I have included links to two databases of clergy predators from the Catholic community and a database from the Mennonite Community. So, if you like data and statistics, this section delivers.

Lastly, we live in an age where dramatic changes take place in society, culture and Politics, I will jump into issues of the day and may populate the Politics section as time passes and opportunities to comment arise.

I welcome your comments, criticisms, and suggestions. Let me hear from you.

Tim Lennon