Twin Cities Voice of the Faithful

WHAT
At a free public forum, survivors of clergy sex abuse and male victims of incest will discuss

-- the decades long history and understandings of the Catholic Crosier Religious Order sexual abuse of area boys and the negative impact of the abuse on area families.

-- the battles of stepping out of the shadows of silence of childhood rape and victimization, and

-- the long-term ramifications of the abuse on the men, their families and loved ones.

The forum includes
-- a written questions and answer session (written questions are to insure anonymity)
-- sharing of survivor stories
-- resources from area child advocacy centers and agencies
-- established area support groups

A private and confidential SNAP Survivor Support Group will follow the public presentation.

WHEN
SATURDAY, May 2^nd at 12:15 p.m.

WHERE
St. Francis Convent, on the St. Francis Campus, (southwest entrance/Chapel entrance)
116 8th Ave. SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

WHO
Three men, including two victors over childhood sexual abuse by priests. One is the Minnesota SNAP Director, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, and the other is the Male Services Coordinator of the Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center (CMSAC). One is a survivor of sexual abuse by a male foster care provider working with Hands of Hope to establish a local sexual abuse support group.

WHY
Childhood sexual abuse, the primary social sickness in central Minnesota, is associated with a greater risk of: Suicide; Alcoholism; Drug abuse; Re-victimization; Unintended pregnancy; Eating disorders; Self-mutilation; Depression; Insomnia; Seductive behaviors, Prostitution; Confusion of sexuality and nurturing behavior; Relationship problems; Sexually transmitted disease; Identity disturbances; and Involvement in physically abusive relationships as adults.

CONTACT
Bob Schwiderski from Wayzata, MN SNAP Director, 952-471-3422, skibrs@mchsi.com
Craig Martin from St. Cloud, CMSAC, Male Services Coordinator, 320-251-4357
Julie Kapsch from Little Falls, Hands of Hope, Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, 320-632-1657