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Clergy Abuse Help Offered in Charleston
Posted Monday, October 12, 2009 ; 05:16 PM | View Comments | Post Comment
Updated Tuesday, October 13, 2009 ; 08:22 AM

A support group for abuse victims is forming in the Capitol City

Story by Sarah Lieu
Email | Bio | Other Stories by Sarah Lieu

CHARLESTON -- A new support group is calling on anyone who suffered from clergy crimes to speak up.

The group, called SNAP, which stands for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the nation's largest support group for clergy sex abuse victims.

It's forming a new support group in Charleston and is urging anyone who saw, suspected or suffered misdeeds by a recently convicted preacher, Sandy Cook, in Belle, or any preacher, to come forward, get help and call police.

Two survivors spoke out, one from the Cook case, and another in a case involving the Los Angeles Diocese.

It's a lot of opposition coming out and a lot of people are afraid to and then...you know...we're male. So it automatically is a pride ... very emasculating ... to come forward and say this," said David Mullins, who says he was molested by Sandy Cook.

Cynthia Falter Maquez of Berkeley Springs says she her abuse started when she was in the first grade in the Los Angeles Diocese. She said the SNAP support group helped her deal with the trauma.

"I'm still very afraid of finishing my school or being in large groups or people of authority because people of authority to me represent terror and violation." said Marquez.

The group will hold its first support meeting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Albans public library.

For more information, you can go to their website at www.snapnetwork.org.

Copyright 2009 West Virginia Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
User Comments [ post comment ]
User Comment
Cynthia
10/16/09 at 8:29 AM
Report Abuse
I Have a great deal of respect for David . It is so hard to come forward and put yourself out there. However the Healing happens when we as survivors no longer hang our head in shame . Affirmation is everything and Healing takes work . I understand David and You are so Brave especially to of come forward ans stand up here in West Virgina where towns are small it takes a special person to do what you did I applaud you
User Comment
Bob Schwiderski
10/13/09 at 10:55 AM
Report Abuse
SNAP [Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests] is the support organization those abused by religious figures can find support, understandings, and healing.

It is also for the loving family members of survivors.
User Comment
Pam
10/13/09 at 12:01 AM
Report Abuse
I applaud Cynthia and David for their courage in speaking out against the horrendously dark and painful crime of clergy sexual abuse. It is the victims who will bring about change. The Church itself can not change - the hierarchy is drunk with power; but the victims are changing the world.

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