Religious boarding school abuse survivors push for change

MISSOURI (KBSI) – Aralysa Baker is one of many who say they were abused in Christian Boarding schools as children and she’s now speaking out to make a change in Missouri’s laws and the un-regulation when it comes to religious boarding schools in Missouri.

The SNAP network is a network that speaks out for children that have been abused under religious facilities care, child abuse activists and victims have come together in an outreach and education effort.  

“Were unable to heal, were unable to move forward because we know there are children still being abused. They know that they have the freedom to run and to just do what they want under religious freedom because of a bill that was signed in the 80s granting them religious freedom and exemption from oversight. It has become a huge problem. These schools have been talked about, I can find articles dating back to the 80’s where people know this is a problem they’re talking about it, and here it is 2024 and its really become a big problem.” says Baker.

Activists were in St. Louis Monday holding a conference to get the attention of law makers and raise awareness. Today is the first day of a four-day, four city outreach conference that will cover St. Louis, Jefferson City, Kansas City and Springfield. Baker says they will also be delivering another letter to the Missouri attorney general asking for change. 

“This is an outreach and a plea to anyone who will listen to step forward and to make changes I know that every party wants to protect children and here is their chance to do so,” she said. 

Baker says the goal is to make a change. 

“This is us standing up and saying this should not be allowed anymore and to anyone who has the power and authority to make those changes please do,” said Baker.

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