We are excited to announce AVA Law Group is the corporate sponsor of the GivingTuesday fundraiser supporting the Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP). SNAP is the oldest and largest support group for individuals hurt by religious and institutional authorities, supporting survivors across the nation through conversations, support groups, and much-needed resources.
This year, SNAP's focusing their GivingTuesday fundraiser on translating their SNAP Leader's manual and other documents that survivor support group participants and SNAP advocates would use into Spanish to reach Hispanic survivors of sexual abuse by religious authorities. According to SNAP, in the past two years, the number of Hispanic survivors of sexual abuse by religious authorities (including priests, deacons, pastors, etc.) has increased by 450%.
"Many of these survivors speak Spanish only, no English at all," SNAP said in a statement accompanying the announcement of their GivingTuesday fundraiser. "Today, SNAP has just three Spanish-speaking SNAP Leaders: two in California, and one in Texas. "
The translating of SNAP resources into Spanish will help in the recruitment of at least 30 new bilingual SNAP leaders to help facility support groups in Hispanic communities throughout the U.S. SNAP has set a fundraising goal of $10,000 to accomplish the project.
"Almost 50 years ago, Eduardo Lopez de Casas was sexually abused first by his teachers then later by parish clergy," SNAP said through their GivingTuesday fundraiser statement. "Not knowing what to do, he willingly shared his experiences with family and friends. Many believed what he had to say; others did not. Sadly, nothing was ever done to pursue those who had violated him. Two years ago, Eduardo connected with Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) and later became a SNAP Leader for the Houston, Texas bilingual-speakers support group. Because of his involvement in SNAP, Eduardo’s 18-year career with the Catholic Church was terminated. But for him, his healing journey is “about being able to assist other victims of sexual abuse by clergy” in the Hispanic community as a SNAP Leader and advocate.
We at AVA Law Group are in full support of SNAP's goal to reach sexual abuse survivors in the Hispanic community and encourage others to learn more about SNAP's mission and donate to their cause. To support SNAP in their GivingTuesday campaign, click here.
SNAP is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. No goods and/or services will be received in exchange for your donation. SNAP's tax-deductible ID number is 36-4154398.