Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests

If you've been victimized by clergy, please know that you are not alone. You can get better. You can reach out to others who've been hurt just like you have. Together, we can heal one another.

We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others). We are an independent and confidential organization, with no connections with the church or church officials. We are also a non-profit, certified 501 (c) (3) organization and we are here to help.

SNAP was founded by Chicago's Barbara Blaine in 1988. Since then, SNAP has helped thousands of survivors. We offer support in person, (via monthly self-help group meetings in chapters across the country), over the phone, online, and twice-a-year at national meetings.

We also provide a safe and productive outlet for the passion many survivors feel toward preventing future abuse.

Our website exists to provide support and knowledge to all victims of clergy abuse, to help educate the public, and to help ensure that in future generations, children will be safe. If you need help navigating this site, please click here to view some helpful tutorials.

Welcome. Reach out. Get help.

STORY OF THE DAY


Many reports about priest preceded boy’s suicide, parents say

Local Catholic officials received numerous reports alleging inappropriate behavior by a priest before a 14-year-old boy took his life in 1983, a motion filed this week by the boy’s parents says.

But the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese failed to act on the reports about Monsignor Thomas O’Brien, the motion alleges, and Brian Teeman committed suicide after suffering repeated sexual abuse by the priest.

Read more . . .

Media Statements

Newark Predator Priest Arrested, SNAP Responds

For immediate release: Monday, May 20

Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, SNAPclohessy@aol.com) 

Fr. Michael Fugee, a Catholic priest of the Newark Archdiocese, has been arrested. He admitted molesting a child, recanted, was tried and convicted. His conviction was overturned on a technicality, and he and his church supervisors promised prosecutors that he would not be around kids.  Then, weeks ago, the Newark Star Ledger disclosed that this agreement had been repeatedly and flagrantly violated.  

Read more . . .
Child sex cases vs. notorious Jesuit settle; SNAP responds

For immediate release: Monday, May 20

Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, SNAPblaine@gmail.com)

Six men who were sexually violated as kids by a widely-known Jesuit priest, Fr. Donald McGuire, have reached a settlement  totaling nearly $20 million. We applaud their courage and strength.

These six brave men have, despite their horrific pain, struggled to expose corruption by some of the top Jesuits in the US. More truth about awful church crimes and cover ups is being revealed and for that, Catholics should be grateful.  

 

Read more . . .
CA- Encino priest sentenced to life in prison for abuse

A convicted predator priest who worked in Encino will spend the rest of his life behind bars. On Thursday, he was convicted of abuse - for a second time - and was sentenced to life in prison.

He’s Fr. William C. Wert, who twice worked at Crespi Carmelite High School, a college prep school for boys in Encino (in 1987 and from 1993 to 1999).

Read more . . .
DC priest sentenced to life in prison for abuse

A convicted predator priest - who was convicted of molesting a Washington DC area child six years ago has molested again and will now spend the rest of his life in prison.

Fr. William C. Wert was sentenced on last Thursday in Florida for molesting a boy for five months in the Venice diocese.

 

Read more . . .
Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
Our most powerful tool is the light of truth. Through our actions, we bring healing, prevention and justice.


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