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).
Virginia Attorney General Announces Investigation into Clergy Sex Abuse
For immediate release: October 24, 2018
Virginia’s top law enforcement official has announced that he is opening an investigation into clergy sex abuse and cover-ups in Virginia.
We are thrilled to hear that the Virginia Attorney General’s office has launched a statewide criminal investigation regarding sexual abuse by priests. We know that institutions cannot police themselves, so fully independent investigations like these are the best way to get to the truth when it comes to clergy sex abuse and cover-ups. We applaud A.G. Mark Herring for this move.
Washington D.C. launches investigation into sexual abuse by priests
Following yesterday’s launch of a hotline and website by the U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C., the District’s top law enforcement official announced today that he is opening an investigation into sex abuse by clergy.
“Credibly Accused” Priest from San Jose Arrested on New Charges
The Diocese of San Jose today released a statement regarding the news that one of the men on their list of “credibly accused” clergy was in jail on new charges.
Washington D.C. Opens Hotline for Survivors of Clergy Sex Abuse
For immediate release, October 22 2018
Today, the U.S. Attorney’s office for Washington D.C. has announced that they are opening an hotline and email address that survivors of clergy sex abuse and those that have knowledge of abuse can use to report their experiences.
SNAP Applauds Australian Legal Reform that Benefits Survivors
For immediate release, October 22 2018
Last week, an Australian Parliament struck down an archaic legal defense that presented a major barrier to survivors seeking accountability and justice.
The New South Wales Parliament formally abolished the “Ellis Defence,” a legal stance that allowed the catholic church to hide behind an archaic and arcane designation of “non-entity.” In practice, this meant that survivors could not formally sue Catholic dioceses in court, regardless of the legitimacy of the claims, helping to ensure that cover-ups stayed covered-up and that accountability would be out of reach.
USC Reaches Settlement with nearly 500 survivors
For immediate release, October 19 2018
Today the University of Southern California announced it has reached a settlement with the nearly 500 former patients of a campus doctor who had accused him of serial sexual abuse.
Federal Investigation expands to the Diocese of Buffalo
For immediate release, October 19 2018
Yesterday we learned about a sweeping investigation by the Department of Justice into Catholic dioceses in Pennsylvania. Today we have learned that the investigation is wider than we thought.
Former Maryland Priest Sued in Hawaii
A former Maryland priest, convicted on child sex charges, has been sued for allegedly molesting a child in Hawaii.
Pope Francis Urges Seminarians to Report Abuse to Bishops, SNAP Responds
For immediate release, October 19 2018
Even when stressing the importance of reporting abuse, Pope Francis manages to miss the mark.
Last weekend, while addressing seminarians who were visiting The Vatican, the Pope told the visitors to report any suspicions of abuse to their bishops instead of local law enforcement.
Local SNAP Leader Calls on Pennsylvania State Senate to Give Survivors a Day in Court
For immediate release, October 19 2018
SNAP Philadelphia Leader Michael McDonnell has called on the Pennsylvania State Senate to add additional legislative days to this years calendar and revive their work on statutes of limitations reform. On Wed. Oct. 17th, Senate GOP leaders pushed a bill that would have allowed victims of childhood sexual abuse by the clergy to file a civil suit but only on their perpetrator, leaving institutions like the Catholic church without fault. We believe that this proposal is unacceptable because the institutions who enabled the years of cover-up must be also held accountable alongside the abusers themselves.