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 QUIETLY TRIMS SANCTIONS FOR SEX ABUSERS SEEKING MERCY, VICTIMS RESPOND
For immediate release Sunday, February 26, 2017
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, California, SNAP Volunteer Western Regional Director (949) 322-7434 [email protected]
Once again, church officials have put the needs and feelings of predators over public safety and the needs of children who are the victims of sex crimes.
HI--New housing director subject of sex abuse scandal
Victims to mayor: Reconsider decision
New Housing Director subject of sex abuse scandal
Appointment creates “Hostile work environment” for city employees
Caldwell decision “imprudent,” may violate EEOC rules, letter says
KY--Priest sentenced in abuse case
For immediate release Thursday, February 9
Statement by Barbara Dorris, SNAP Outreach Director 314-503-0003 [email protected]
A Louisville priest who is accused of molesting two children and spent 30 years running a camp for kids has been sentenced to seven years in prison. A support group for victims is praising those who helped prosecute him and begging others who “may have seen, suspected or suffered his crimes or church cover ups” to come forward.
Caldwell Appoints Marc Alexander To Lead Honolulu Housing Office, Victims respond
Statement by Joelle Casteix, SNAP Volunteer Western Regional Director, (949) 322-7434, [email protected]
Shame on Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell. He has given a powerful city job to a man who has been sued for for child sexual abuse and who left a previous government job in disgrace because of an unethical affair with an adult woman while he was a priest.
In fact, because secret Diocese of Honolulu personnel documents and other evidence in Marc Alexander’s recently settled civil child sex abuse case have not yet been made public, we do not know the details of what happened, or the scope of the risk that Alexander could pose to adult women and children. Is this a risk that the people of Hawaii should be willing to take? Is this a personnel investment that Hawaii’s taxpayers should make?
Settlement of another lawsuit against defrocked priest McCormack: $2.3 million; Victims responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Statement by Joelle Casteix, SNAP Volunteer Western Regional Director, (949) 322- 7434, [email protected]
This most recent lawsuit against Father McCormack is very disturbing and shows the influence that predators have in the areas where they live and work. The 12-year-old child and alleged victim in this case was not a member of the parish where Daniel McCormack worked.
In addition, this victim was abused for the second time after McCormack had been arrested for abuse. However, the priest was allowed back into the parish and had not been placed on any restriction of ministry or put in a secure facility away from children, according to the suit. He was free to continue to prey on children in the parish and neighborhood.
We hope anyone who has suffered abuse will come forward and begin healing. We encourage anyone with information about these crimes to contact local law enforcement.
Elite private school allowed sex abuse for decades, grand jury finds, victims response
For immediate release, February 2, 2017
SNAP statement regarding the Gretchen Hammond’s recent lawsuit
Statement by Mary Ellen Kruger of St. Louis, MO, SNAP Volunteer Leader and Chairman of the SNAP Board of Directors - (314) 962-0964 cell, [email protected]
The past few weeks have been a difficult time for SNAP. Longtime friend and executive director David Clohessy has retired from SNAP, and inflammatory and untrue allegations have been made against SNAP in a lawsuit filed in Chicago, Illinois last week.
SNAP Letter to Bishop James V. Johnston
PO Box 56539
Saint Louis MO 63156
Kansas City, Missouri 64105
Victims to KC Bishop: You broke legal promises, didn’t report
For immediate release
Victims to KC Bishop: You broke legal promises, didn’t report
Man banned from parish may have abused, SNAP believes
Survivors demand oversight committee, public meeting
Public deserves accountability, they say
CO--Musician accused of abuse to perform in Boulder; victims respond--Updated
For immediate release: Friday, January 14, 2017
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda, volunteer member of the board of directors of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
A musician who is being sued in Massachusetts for allegedly sexually harassing two young women is performing tomorrow night with the Boulder Philharmonic.
http://www.masslive.com/news/boston/index.ssf/2016/04/read_the_complaint_filed_by_mu.html
http://www.dailycamera.com/entertainment/ci_29711433/boulder-phil-announces-next-season
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