Recently I met Father Bob Hoatson, a clergy abuse survivor, who understands and rallies to the support of other survivors. When I contacted him, he flew quickly to counsel me. I'm almost sure his car has wings because he appears so suddenly. His words of support were exactly right and as a result I was able to move to the next step in the healing process. I will be forever grateful for his compassionate ministry and ROAD TO RECOVERY. After talking with him I came to new realizations. Thank you Bob, you are a true warrior. We need your Blessings.

Dear Father Bob,

It has been a great pleasure to have known you for many years now. I have followed your work and always respected the struggles and challenges you have faced as an abuse survivor. It takes great courage for any survivor to come forward to report their abuse and to hold their perpetrator accountable, but in your case as a Catholic priest, your courage has been even more remarkable.

When a friend gave me Bob Hoatson's phone number in 2005, I called him and was shocked that he answered his phone immediately. I later learned that he carries his cell phone and answers 24/7. We discussed my abuse, and he told me he would accompany me to the diocese to finally report it. Doing so was one of the most healing things I have done for myself, was to tell my story to the Vicar General and the Secretariat with Bob Hoatson sitting at my side. He also was witness to the apology that I received on behalf of the RCC by the Vicar General.

My first introduction to Fr. Bob Hoatson and Road to Recovery was back in August when my attorney, based in Boston, referred me to him. Fr. Bob, not knowing who I was volunteered to drive me up to Boston to meet with my attorneys and the religious order's representative and attorney. There I told my story of abuse and Fr. Bob was right beside me for reassurance. I learned so much from him on the way up and back about the awful truth about clergy abuse. Above all he allowed me to feel comfortable and safe, something I normally do not feel with a total stranger.

After many of years of being sexually abused and stalked by a member of the Roman Catholic clergy, my children and I gave away all of our possessions and disappeared into a jungle off the Mainland to get away from this priest. We lived in poverty and fear. Because all efforts to obtain legal help had failed, and one of my children nearly died because of his abuse, this radical action became necessary. Then Fr. Bob Hoatson came into our lives, and hope began to grow in us. He immediately called the police and reported the stalking.

Regarding my experience(s) with The Road to Recovery and Rev. Bob Hoatson, I had contacted Bob on a Friday night through mutual friends and within 60 minutes, we were having a bite together at a Restaurant on his route to see another victim. I got the impression that he, they, would drop everything when a new victim had come forward in order to guide and heal that person with no delay.

When I came forward about my clergy abuse Bob Hoatson and Road to Recovery helped to guide me through an incredibly painful process. In Bob I found someone who I could trust and rely on to be there every step of the way especially with dealing with the politics of the church. I am truly grateful for his help and credit Road to Recovery for saving my life. Joe Capozzi

Road To Recovery provides me the outlet and support I need in my healing process. Healing is an ongoing adventure and with the knowledge and support Bob Hoatson provides to all victims of sexual abuse and what we are going through on a daily basis can never be put in words. Thanks to Road to Recovery and thank you Bob. Road To Recovery works directly with victims and closely in communication with SNAP. With these two advocate/support organizations victims like myself are comforted in a very uncomfortable world and situation that our abusers placed on us.