A nationwide support group for survivors of sexual abuse perpetuated by members of the clergy announced on the steps of Grace Cathedral the opening of its San Francisco chapter.

The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests chapter will focus on helping victims as well as pushing the Catholic Church to deal with sexual abuse more effectively, Sylvia Chavez-Frinak, a member of the new San Francisco SNAP chapter, said Wednesday.

The San Francisco Archdiocese has been battered by charges of sexual misconduct among local clergy. Earlier this month, the archdiocese disclosed it had paid about $300,000 during the last 20 years in clergy sexual misconduct cases.

The national group, which has more than 2,000 members, was founded in 1991. An East Bay chapter was started in Hayward shortly after the organization was founded.

SNAP offers support groups and information for survivors as well as organizing political action to challenge churches to better deal with the problem of clergy sexual misconduct, organization officials said.

"They've helped me enormously," said Lisa Toalson, a member of the East Bay chapter. "It's really hard to find people to talk to about this."

The organization offers support to people who were abused by clergy of any faith, Toalson said.

Meetings will be held every other Wednesday in San Francisco and the first Friday of every month in Hayward. For more information call SNAP at (510) 727-1872.

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