About Us

Overview of Group

In September 2002, SF was created in Boston in response to the priest sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. We call all victims, survivors, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey. The mission of SF is to ensure that all survivors of sexual abuse are aware of their recovery options and to keep kids safe. SF is unique with its emphasis on collaboration among survivors and non-survivors and its strong results-orientated. SF is not a religious organization and does not provide mental health services directly.

Members of SF include survivors and their family members and Catholics and non-Catholics advocates. The organization is composed of all volunteers and has 60 members in New England and 1500 people who subscribe to its email newsletter. It also operates member group email lists for Boston; Providence, RI; greater NYC, and Los Angeles. SF is an all volunteer group with a very limited budget. SF does not accept money from anti-gay groups, anti-Catholic groups or plaintiff lawyers. Donations to offset administrative costs are appreciated.

Offical Reports about Survivors First Governance, Donations and Spending

Year-End Report (September 30, 2003)

How to submit a formal complaint or question to the Survivors First, Inc.

Members of Survivors First
(includes survivors and their supporters)

Most are from greater Boston and New England (MA, CT, NH, VT, ME, RI),

Survivors:
Christine Hickey, Steve Lynch, Kathy Dwyer, Susan Renehan, Phil Cogswell, Susan E. Gallagher

Supporters:
Anne Barrett Doyle, Laura Breault, Joe Gallagher, Lauren Franceschi, Jeanne Lewis, Eileen Doherty, Bonnie Ciambotti, Ken Scott, Lucia and John Mudd, Paul Kendrick, Pat Coppola, Steve Sheehan, Phil de Albuquerque, Elli Hartnett, Liz Gustin, Ken Hannan, Penny Kirk, Paul Baier (founder).

Press Coverage

•   Scrutiny haunts bishops' annual meeting   CNN - Jun 19, 2003
•   Catholic Bishops Meet Controversy, Protests in St. Louis   Fox News - Jun 19, 2003
•   Church Scandals Cloud Bishops' Meeting   ABC News - Jun 19, 2003
•   Remarks, resignations put bishops in spotlight   Boston Globe - Jun 19, 2003
•   Victims' group: Church has made little progress fighting abuse    CNN - Jun 18, 2003
•   Groups blast Catholic reform efforts  USA Today - Jun 17, 2002   
•   Database of Catholic Priests   NPR Morning Edition - Nov. 22, 2002   (requires Real Audio Player)
•   Advocates for Victims Release Priest Names    Boston Globe - Nov. 13, 2002
•   Catholic Activists Compile Data Base   Associated Press - Nov. 2002

Media Contact:  PaulBaier  PaulBaierSF@aol.com   (781) 910-5467

Contact Information

Survivors First, Inc.
P.O. Box 81-172
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481

SurvivorsFirst is completely separate from VOTF and is not endorsed or supported by VOTF.