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	Clergy Abuse Support Groups Expand in Ohio Valley OVParent August 28, 2009 http://www.ovparent.com/page/content.detail/id/500707/Clergy-Abuse-Support-Groups-Expand-in-Ohio-Valley.html?nav=5020 A national self-help group network for victims of sexual abuse now has five Ohio Valley-area support group meetings, in order to meet the growing need for healing by those who are hurting because of child molesting clergy. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org), has named Woodsfield native Judy Block-Jones as the regional director for the Ohio Valley to oversee the expansion. SNAP is the nation's largest support groups for men and women who were sexually abused in religious organizations. "We're hearing from people who were assaulted by Protestant clergy, Catholic priests, and ministers of various faith groups," said Barbara Dorris, SNAP's outreach director. "Many of us looked for help within the church, and received nothing but shame, cover-up and denial in return," said Jones. "We hope that we can reach out to hurting people in rural areas, who may have never had the opportunity to talk about their abuse and find solace from life-long pain." Jones is also spearheading a web effort to publicize the meetings, post news stories and survivor videos, circulate a national hotline number and expose predators and their records of abuse. "The Internet has been the key to exposing perpetrators and showing victims that they are not alone," Jones said. "It's been our number one tool to gain strength in numbers and expose criminals." "Our mission is simple: to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded," said Dorris. "We'll use any means possible to find and help those who've been molested and need support and have the potential to protect kids by exposing their predators." The groups has launched five local Web sites and support groups, and will add more if needed. Pittsburgh - SNAP Ohio Valley Meeting time to be determined http://pittsburghtruth.org/ Wheeling-Charleston - SNAP Ohio Valley 5:30-7 p.m. second Wednesday of the month, Bellaire Public Library http://wheeling-charlestontruth.org/ Youngstown - SNAP Ohio Valley http://youngstowntruth.org/ Steubenville - SNAP Ohio Valley Date: Wednesday, Sept. 9th, 5:30pm -7:00pm http://www.steubenvilletruth.org/ Columbus - SNAP Ohio Valley 7-9 p.m. third Monday of the month, except for January and February, when it will be the third Tuesday Whetstone Branch Library, 3909 N. High St. http://columbustruth.org/ Mansfield 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 10 and Thursday, Oct. 15 Mansfield/Richland County Library (Main Branch), 43 West Third St. For information, call Jones, 636-433-2511 or Dorris, 314-503-0003.
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