Hello to whomever is reading this.
Let me tell you a bit about myself. My name is ShannonSimendinger. I am a victim of SA by several of the men that were/are apart of the Jehovah’s Witness Organization.
Even though the news reports focus on ages 5 to 15, the SA started when I was 3 in Norwich, Connecticut. It stopped when I was in my 20’s.
I was also one of the victims of a former elder, Ernest Fyans, in Fort Kent, Maine in the Fort Kent, Maine Congregation. It went to trial and on September 20, 2023 the Jury ruled, Guilty, on all charges. I also have a civil lawsuit against The Watchtower Headquarters.
My goal is for the Jehovah’s Witness Organization to be held accountable for keeping crimes such as SA against children a secret.
I am hoping to help people become aware of how severe this issue is. There is a loophole in the mandatory reporting law that allows crimes, specifically crimes against children to go unreported to the authorities and remain a secret within the institutional setting that labels them “sin” instead. The loophole is the Clergy Penitent Privilege Exemption. Changing that exemption is just one of the ways of holding the people who hide these secrets accountable and responsible for withholding crimes. If we all come together, I think we will have a big enough voice to make a difference.
If you are reading this know that you are not alone. We are with you. Don’t be afraid . We can face our trauma and heal. I wish you all healing and peace.