MISSOURI
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 6
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com , davidgclohessy@gmail.com )
There’s an encouraging aspect of the horrific Troy fake kidnapping case that’s worth noting: the system worked.
Within 48 hours of hearing this poor boy’s traumatic account, school officials, police and prosecutors leaped into action, arresting and charging four adults for this awful crime.
The boy spoke up. School staff believed him. They called police. Police investigated. Prosecutors charged. Wrongdoers were exposed. And a victim was validated and protected.
Time and time again, we hear about the cases where the system does not work. Kids can’t disclose horror. If they do, then the adults don’t listen. Or the adults disbelieve them. Or the adults do nothing. Or the adults say “Just let it go.” Or the adults try to “handle” the crimes quietly or internally. Or law enforcement moves slowly.
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