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).
Non-Profits Join Forces To Help Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse And To Educate The Public On This Topic
Later this month, multiple non-profit organizations will gather to present an open forum to educate the public and to address issues surrounding child sexual abuse:
Archdiocese of Washington Revises Child Protection Policy, SNAP Reacts
Church officials in Washington D.C. have revised their child protection policy, claiming to add new protections. However, it is not policies that need to be changed, but the actions of those charged with enforcing those policies that needs to change if the faithful are to be protected.
Advocacy Group for Survivors of Clergy Sexual Abuse Urge Judge to Uphold Sentence
A Catholic priest, who pleaded guilty to child sexual abuse and received the maximum term, will have his petition for reconsideration of the sentence heard tomorrow.
SNAP Stands with Monk who Reported Abuse by Msgr. Craig Harrison
According to media reports, a monk who reported witnessing and experiencing abuse at the hands of a popular Bakersfield priest is being sued for defamation. Aggressive perpetrators of sexual abuse sometimes resort to defamation lawsuits and other legal tactics to silence victims and intimidate witnesses. We fear that is what is happening in this situation.
Trial Begins for Anglican Priest Accused of Abuse in Fresno
Yet another Fresno priest is accused of sex crimes and we beg those with information or suspicions about him to call police immediately.
Accused Sacramento Priest Sues Bishop who ‘Outed’ Him
A priest accused of abuse who worked and lives in Sacramento is tilting at windmills by suing the bishop who publicly exposed him. In 30 years, we've never seen such a suit succeed, but we suspect the priest's real goal is to deter other victims, witnesses and whistleblowers from speaking up.
First Lawsuit Filed Against Fr. John Smyth in Chicago
The first child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit has been filed against a high-profile Chicago priest who had access to thousands of already-vulnerable children.
Trial Against Fr. Scott Kallal Ends in Hung Jury
A Kansas priest who was accused of abusing a teen-aged girl had his trial end today in a hung jury. We hope that prosecutors will try this case again and continue working to keep children in Kansas safe from abuse.
Compensation Programs Begin in 6 California Catholic Dioceses Days After SOL Reform is Passed
Cincinnati Auxiliary Bishop Should Be Removed from USCCB Committee
Vatican officials may be investigating Cincinnati’s top Catholic official, but regardless of what Vatican officials do, we believe church officials in the US should act now to remove one of Cincinnati’s bishops from a key national committee.