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).
Another Sexual Assault Case Filed Against Priest in Venice, Florida
For the second time this month a lawsuit has been filed against a priest from Venice, FL, this one alleging sexual assault in 2017. We applaud this woman for coming forward and hope that this news encourages other potential victims or witnesses to come forward.
Notorious Priest Who Abused 100+ in Guam Was Trained in Colorado
One of the most notorious abusers in Guam was trained in a Colorado seminary. We call on Catholic officials in Denver to add his name to their list of accused priests, and to take steps to reach out to any of his victims that may still be suffering in silence.
Indiana Priest Charged with Abusing a Child in 2016
A priest from Indiana has been charged related to allegations that he abused a child in 2016. We applaud the Indianapolis District Attorney for charging Reverend David Marcotte with three felonies related to the sexual abuse of children and hope that this news encourages others with information to come forward and make a report to police.
Dallas Jesuit Prep Sued Again for Child Sexual Abuse, SNAP Responds
A new lawsuit has been filed against a school run by the Catholic Church in Dallas. We are grateful that this survivor of sexual abuse, a former athlete and now an attorney, has spoken out about his abuse. His revelation of a new name to potentially be added to the Jesuits' list of abusers may well help other victims heal. It could also be a step towards addressing the under count of abusers in Texas.
Priest who Abused at Least Two Children Later Became State Senator
A former priest who abused at least two children later became a state legislator in Colorado. The fact that a priest with multiple allegations of abusing girls was never reported to secular authorities and was able to ascend to this high position goes to the heart of our concerns that the cover up in Colorado was deep and wide.
Diocese of Springfield Wants to Hire New Investigator for Clergy Abuse Claims
Catholic officials in Springfield, MA are looking to hire a new internal investigator to review reports of clergy sexual abuse. We suggest that they instead should turn all allegations over to trained law enforcement and leave the investigating to secular professionals.
Prolific Predator Priest Arrested for Child Porn in Portugal
One of the world’s most notorious predator priests - who admitted molesting at least 25 children in California, was deported to Ireland and later moving to the Netherlands - has just been arrested again. We hope he spends every remaining minute of his life locked up so that children will be safer.
Former Catholic and Anglican Priest to Stand Trial for 22 Sex Crimes
A former Anglican priest from Fresno accused of sexually assaulting nearly a dozen victims will stand trial. We applaud this move and hope this news encourages others who may have seen, suspected, or suffered his abuse to come forward and make a report to police.
Attorney General's Report into Clergy Abuse in Colorado Released, SNAP Responds
Today, the Colorado Attorney General released the results of his voluntary review of church records in Colorado. Unfortunately, absent subpoena power and the ability to compel testimony under oath, we are not confident that the attorney general was able to review the full scope of abuse and cover-up in Colorado.
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director