Eleven years ago, Porter victim Frank Fitzpatrick organized Survivor Connections, an advocacy and support group.  Fitzpatrick helped scores of victims track down predators by compiling a database of priests who had been placed on unexplained "sick leave" after Church officials learned of their crimes.

Phil Saviano likewise became a heroic advocate for survivors after refusing to sign a confidentiality agreement with the Worcester Archdiocese.  Determined to aid those who had suffered as he did, Saviano used the $12,000 he received in his settlement with the Church to establish and build the New England Chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

Anne Hagan Webb, a Wellesley psychologist and Bill Gately, a mental health counselor, stepped forward in 2002 to use their professional experience to lend a hand to fellow victims.  Last year, Webb and Gately took over from Saviano to become co-directors of New England SNAP.

Another abuse survivor who has been an especially effective spokesperson for victims' rights is Susan Renehan.  Working tirelessly since early last year, Renehan co-founded the Coalition of Catholics and Survivors, an advocacy group that has organized several poignant solidarity marches, worked extensively with Voice of the Faithful, and created the Poster Project, a collection of photographs of children who have been molested by priests.