VOTF Member Honored by SNAP
Continued

“Few Catholics take the huge risks that Carolyn has to speak out for the wounded,” said David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP National Director. “Unlike so many who just sit idly and hope that bishops do the right thing, Carolyn stood up and took action. She is a living agent for change.”

Disco's selfless devotion to justice and accountability for victims has been also been recognized by Voice of the Faithful, who gave her their St. Catherine of Siena Award in 2007. In her acceptance speech for the St. Catherine of Siena award, she demanded that bishops take full responsibility for their hands-on role in the cover-up of child sex abuse and called for the public release of all secret sex abuse and cover-up documents.

“Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge about the laws and culture of the Catholic Church,” Clohessy said, “but even when she faced family obligations or health problems, her devotion to victims and her willingness to help never wavered.”

Disco will accept SNAP's award in Washington DC on July 9, 2011.  

SNAP, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, was founded by survivor Barbara Blaine. Since then, the organization has grown to more than 10,000 members in all 50 states and 10 different countries. The group has also expanded to help and support sex abuse victims in many faiths and institutional organizations. The group attributes its success to the support and empowerment of victims, its tireless work towards exposing crimes in the church and protecting children right now.

SNAP's national conference, Exposing Truth and Protecting Kids, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Washington, DC from July 8-10.