Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is a non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Barbara Blaine and Barbara Dorris to provide support and advocacy for victims of clergy abuse, particularly those abused by Catholic Church priests, such as Marci Hamilton and Jason Berry. The organization has been instrumental in shedding light on the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, which has affected numerous individuals, including Phil Saviano and Gary Bergeron. With the help of SNAP members, such as Christine Beckett and David Clohessy, the organization has worked tirelessly to bring about justice and accountability, often in collaboration with BishopAccountability.org and National Catholic Reporter.

● History

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests was established in response to the growing need for support and advocacy among victims of clergy abuse, with early supporters including Jeff Anderson and Mike Finnegan. The organization's founders, Barbara Blaine and Barbara Dorris, were themselves victims of abuse, and their experiences informed the organization's mission and goals, which have been shaped by interactions with Cardinal Bernard Law and Pope Benedict XVI. Over the years, the organization has grown to include thousands of members, including Richard Sipe and Thomas Doyle, and has become a leading voice in the fight against clergy abuse, often working alongside Voice of the Faithful and Call to Action. The organization has also been involved in high-profile cases, such as the Boston Globe's investigation into the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, which was led by Walter Robinson and Michael Rezendes.

● Organization

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is a volunteer-based organization with a national presence, including chapters in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The organization is led by a board of directors, which includes Barbara Blaine and David Clohessy, and is supported by a network of volunteers, including Christine Beckett and Robert M. Hoatson. The organization also works closely with other advocacy groups, such as National Survivors Advocates Coalition and Catholic Whistleblowers, to advance its mission and goals, often in collaboration with Marie Collins and Peter Saunders. Additionally, the organization has partnered with Lawyers for Survivors and Healing and Recovery to provide support and resources to victims of clergy abuse.

● Activities and Campaigns

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests engages in a range of activities and campaigns to support victims of clergy abuse and promote accountability within the Catholic Church, including working with Pope Francis and Cardinal Sean O'Malley. The organization provides support groups and counseling services to victims, as well as advocacy and lobbying efforts to push for policy changes, often in collaboration with Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Ted Lieu. The organization has also been involved in numerous campaigns, including the Zero Tolerance Campaign, which aims to hold bishops accountable for their role in covering up abuse, and has worked with Bishop Robert Finn and Archbishop John Nienstedt. Additionally, the organization has partnered with End Clergy Abuse and Catholic Church Reform to promote transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church.

● Impact and Controversies

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has had a significant impact on the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, helping to bring about greater transparency and accountability, with the help of The New York Times and The Washington Post. The organization's efforts have led to the resignation of numerous bishops and priests, including Cardinal Bernard Law and Bishop Robert Finn, and have prompted changes to the Catholic Church's policies and procedures for handling abuse allegations, often in collaboration with Vatican City and US Conference of Catholic Bishops. However, the organization has also faced controversy and criticism, particularly from some members of the Catholic Church, who have accused the organization of being overly aggressive and confrontational, including Bill Donohue and Catholic League. Despite these challenges, the organization remains committed to its mission and continues to work tirelessly to support victims of clergy abuse, often in partnership with Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and National Alliance to End Sexual Violence.

● Notable Cases and Members

The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests has been involved in numerous high-profile cases, including the Boston Globe's investigation into the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, which was led by Walter Robinson and Michael Rezendes. The organization has also supported notable members, such as Phil Saviano and Gary Bergeron, who have spoken out about their experiences and advocated for change, often in collaboration with Marci Hamilton and Jason Berry. Other notable members include Richard Sipe and Thomas Doyle, who have worked to expose the Catholic Church's handling of abuse allegations, and have partnered with BishopAccountability.org and National Catholic Reporter. The organization has also worked with Christine Beckett and David Clohessy to bring about justice and accountability, often in collaboration with Lawyers for Survivors and Healing and Recovery. Additionally, the organization has partnered with End Clergy Abuse and Catholic Church Reform to promote transparency and accountability within the Catholic Church, and has worked with Senator Dick Durbin and Representative Ted Lieu to advance its mission and goals. Category:Non-profit organizations