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).
Pope Benedict Shifts the Blame for Clergy Sex Abuse
Pope Benedict is again rubbing salt into the wounds of victims and trying to burnish his own deservedly-tarred reputation by blaming others for the church's decades-old abuse and cover up crisis.
SNAP Grateful to Jurors in New Mexico Abuse Case
For immediate release: April 11, 2019
We are relieved that Fr. Arthur Perrault, accused of molesting more than 30 children, has been found guilty. We are grateful to the jurors for listening to the painful testimony heard in this case and for reaching a just verdict.
Bishop in India Charged with Rape, SNAP Reacts
We are deeply grateful that Indian law enforcement are formally charging a bishop with raping a nun. It is rare that a top Catholic official faces criminal charges, so this is a significant step forward towards a safer church and society for all. We hope Bishop Franco Mullakkal faces trial soon.
Priest Named on San Diego’s List Must be Added to Pittsburgh’s List
According to a recently published list, a priest who had been removed from his duties for abusing children also has connections to Pittsburgh.
Diocese of Des Moines Posts List of Clergy Accused of Abuse, SNAP Urges Further Outreach
We are grateful that the Diocese of Des Moines has published a list of clergy accused of abuse. This move is the first step that church officials in Des Moines can take towards protecting children in their diocese and helping survivors heal.
Priest who Allegedly Abused Man in New Jersey Remains in Ministry in Brazil
It is heartbreaking that a New Jersey victim has been treated so poorly by church officials in New Jersey. But it’s infuriating that the priest who reportedly assaulted him is still on the job. For the safety of children, New Jersey Catholic officials must remedy this immediately.
SNAP Supports the Passage of Vermont Bill H.330
A proposed change to Vermont law that would help protect children and support survivors of child sexual abuse, H.330, has passed in the House and is now with the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
Diocese of Lincoln Posts Partial List of Clergy Accused of Abuse
The list published today by the Diocese of Lincoln is a small step forward for transparency on clergy sex crimes in Nebraska. We call on Church officials to take additional steps to keep children in Nebraska safe and to help victims heal.
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