SNAP Press Release, 27 November 2012

SNAP Australia
November 26, 2012

http://www.snapaustralia.org/SNAP_PressRelease_27November2012_Ballarat.html

Vigil to be held for clergy sex suicide victims

US-based support group will give them small gifts

It begs those who "saw, suspected or suffered abuse" to speak up

And SNAP urges bishop to do "outreach to those struggling in silence"

WHAT

Holding signs and childhood photos, clergy sex abuse victims will

--hold a vigil to remember dozens of men and women who were molested as children by clergy and committed suicide,

--present small gifts to their families from the families of US clergy sex abuse suicide victims, and

-- urge anyone who saw, suspected, or suffered child sex crimes or cover ups to "call police, expose wrongdoers, protect kids, and start healing."

WHEN

Tuesday November 27 at 12.45 pm

WHERE

Ballarat: Midlands Golf Club - Club Lounge, Heinz Lane, Invermay Park VIC 3350

WHO

Two leaders of an international support group called SNAP (the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priest) including an American woman, who is the organisation's president and founder (She will also meet with Ballarat child sexual abuse victims and families of victims of abuse who took their lives.)

WHY

The Catholic Diocese of Ballarat has seen a large number of suicides stemming from childhood abuse at the hands of priests. Police are investigating at least 40 suicide cases with a link to clerics.

Former Ballarat Bishop Peter Connors said that he would cooperate with an official government inquiry into child abuse. Current Bishop Paul Bird has also agreed to cooperate with the inquiry, claiming that he will turn over all documents to the royal commission. But based on 24 years of experience dealing with church officials across the world, SNAP remains skeptical, however, of these promises.

At the vigil, SNAP members will bow their heads and silently remember those who took their own lives after being abused by clergy. They will also urge those who have seen, suspected or suffered abuse to break their silence, make a report, and start healing.

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CONTACT

Barbara Blaine, SNAP President and Founder +1 312 399 4747, bblaine@snapnetwork.org

Nicky Davis, SNAP Australia Leader 0422 538 440, nicky@nickydavis.com.au