How did the List begin, and what is SNAP?
A. SNAP stands for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. It was founded by Barbara Blaine of Chicago in 1991, and is now a nationwide group with numerous local chapters. The SNAP home page says it is “a USA/Canadian self-help organization of men and women who were sexually abused by spiritual elders (Catholic priests, brothers, nuns, ministers, teachers, etc). Members find healing and empowerment by joining with other survivors.” The SOAR list grew out of the SNAP organisation’s desire for a wider platform than a “time and place”-limited group. While SNAP has primarily addressed abuse in the USA Catholic Church, the SOAR list has always included survivors from all denominations, and members from many countries. Through the ten-odd years of its existence, it has gradually become a community in itself, and now has separated from its parent organisation, due to diverging aims and objectives. SOAROZ grew out of the needs of Australian survivors for a group more specifically applica
A. SNAP stands for Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. It was founded by Barbara Blaine of Chicago in 1991, and is now a nationwide, all-volunteer group with numerous local chapters. The SNAP home page says it is “a USA/Canadian self-help organization of men and women who were sexually abused by spiritual elders (Catholic priests, brothers, nuns, ministers, teachers, etc). Members find healing and empowerment by joining with other survivors.” The SOAR list grew out of the SNAP organisation’s desire for a wider platform than a “time and place”-limited group. While SNAP has primarily addressed abuse in the USA Catholic Church, the SOAR list has always included survivors from all denominations, and members from many countries. Through the seven-odd years of its existence, it has gradually become a community in itself, and now has separated from its parent organisation, due to diverging aims and objectives. The SOAR list is a place for survivors to meet with other survivors and s
