Media Statements
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).
Clergy Abuse Survivors Return to Rome on First Anniversary of Vatican Abuse Summit to Bring About More Change
At his much-anticipated abuse summit last year, Pope Francis called for an “all-out battle” on clergy abuse. Now, on the anniversary of that summit, clergy abuse survivors and advocates are returning to Rome to mark the anniversary of the summit and demand more action and change.
SNAP Applauds as States use Catholic Clergy Abuse Lists to Screen Applicants
According to a news report from KZRG, at least 20 states have begun using Catholic lists of those clerics “credibly accused” of child sexual abuse when screening former priests for employment. We applaud this move and hope that officials in every state and territory in the U.S. will do the same.
Indiana Senate Weakens SOL Reform with New Amendment
We are grateful any time that legislators look to take critical reforms to the statute of limitations in their state. At the same time, it is disappointing to see well-written and well-meaning bills, aimed at protecting children and securing justice for survivors, hobbled by amendments that slow the pace of reform and promote the status quo.
Former Priest Accused of Abuse Worked as Victims Advocate for Seattle Police Department
A former priest who was accused of sexual abuse worked for years as a victim’s advocate for a police department in Seattle. Now, an investigation is finally being launched by law enforcement into the allegations against him.
Clergy Abuse Survivors Return to Rome on First Anniversary of Vatican Abuse Summit to Bring About More Change
At his much-anticipated abuse summit last year, Pope Francis called for an “all-out battle” on clergy abuse. Now, on the anniversary of that summit, clergy abuse survivors and advocates are returning to Rome to mark the anniversary of the summit and demand more action and change.
Richmond Catholic Officials Silence Critical Priest, SNAP Responds
Despite speaking publicly about the need for transparency and honesty with the public, church officials have silenced a Virginia priest for running a blog in which he was critical of church decisions and their strategy to handle abuse cases. We call on this decision to be reversed and hope that parishioners in Virginia will add their voice to ours.
French Cardinal Acquitted of Abuse Cover-up on Appeal, SNAP Reacts
A French cardinal saw his conviction for failing to report abuse overturned on appeal yesterday. We are concerned about the message sent by this news and hope that it does not embolden other Catholic officials, who continue to be opaque about cases of clergy sexual abuse.
Journalists Uncover More Hidden Names of Abusers in Texas
Once again, secular journalists have uncovered names of clergy abusers that were not released by Catholic officials themselves. We are grateful to the journalists for diving into this issue and hope that their work will inspire both district attorneys and attorneys general to open investigations into these hidden perpetrators.
Judge Rules in Favor of Transparency in New Orleans Saints Case
In a win for transparency and the survivor community, a New Orleans judge has granted a motion filed by the Associated Press related to emails exchanged between the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the New Orleans Saints. We applaud this ruling and look forward to the greater transparency that can result from it.
Texas Mother Fights for Justice for Her Daughter, Abused by a Priest in Victoria TX
In November of 2018, a Houston-area mother reported that her daughter had been sexually assaulted by a priest during a confession rite at Nazareth Academy. Despite her report, nothing was done by diocesan or school officials.