Abuse victims network reacts to clergy list

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Abuse support group responds to release of list of clergy accused of sex abuse

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's an emotional day for sex abuse survivors and their loved ones. A mother who drove from Victoria and identifies herself as Amber, says her daughter was abused by a priest at a school.

"There are brick walls put up at every corner when you go and try to report this stuff," she said.

Some believe the list of accused priests released by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is not complete. Whether their abuse happened decades ago or recently, the list brings back pain.

"If the law was more involved, more people would come forward. I reported my case in 2001 to the church with La Rosa Lopez, it was reported again within the last 10 years. The church did nothing," said one survivor.

Michael Norris leads the SNAP Houston Chapter, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. He says some victims wait years like he did to even tell anyone. He added the release of the list is a step in the right direction but he calls for more accountability.

"They're waiting for the news cycle to subside. They've done this before. They did it in 2002. They answered some questions and acted like they came up with the Dallas charter and they hoped it went away. That's what they're hoping. We're not going to give up," said Norris.

Amber added, "I came from Victoria because SNAP is the only organization that has offered help and tried to help me figure out what happened with my daughter, who he is, and why he's so hidden."

SNAP urges anyone in need of support to reach out to their group at 1-877-SNAP-HEALS or at snapnetwork.org.