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).
CA--L.A. coach – an ex-Penn State staffer – should speak up now, victims say
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
Four ex-Penn State coaches, including one now in Los Angeles, have been implicated in newly-released records concerning Jerry Sandusky and Joe Paterno.
We call on these former PSU staffers to publicly address allegations and suggestions that they knew about or suspected child sex crimes by Sandusky but did little or nothing to stop them or report them to police.
PA--Victims beg Paterno family to “face facts & end denial”
For immediate release: Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
Damage to the Paterno family name is becoming increasingly self-inflicted as relatives of the controversial coach continue to deny evidence that he was told long about Jerry Sandusky’s child sex crimes. It’s a sad and hurtful sight.
NC--Accused church child molester was also in Charlotte
For immediate release: Monday, July 11, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
A South Carolina native who spent time in Charlotte and was a teacher and church elder is now accused of molesting a child. We urge his former Jehovah’s Witness colleagues and supervisors – in SC, NC and California (where he now faces criminal charges) to aggressively seek out any current or former church members who may have also been hurt by this predator.
http://www.heraldonline.com/news/local/crime/article88025877.html
CA--Disgraced archbishop attends Napa conference this weekend; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, July 8, 2016
Statement by Tim Lennon of San Francisco, Bay Area Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (415-312-5820, [email protected])
We have just learned that a disgraced archbishop, who resigned amid numerous allegations that he committed and concealed clergy sexual misconduct, will be leading two services at a conference at the Meritage Hotel in the Napa Valley this weekend.
We urge conference organizers to disinvite the controversial prelate and attendees to withdraw from the event unless that happens immediately. It’s especially important that Santa Rosa Bishop Robert Vasa take action, since the conference is in his diocese. http://napa-institute.org/conference/conference-schedule-and-brochure/
NJ--Delbarton whistleblower trial approaches; Victims respond
For immediate release: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We strongly suspect that the former Delbarton coach is telling the truth when he says that school officials retaliated against him for reporting suspected sex crimes and sexual misconduct by Fr. Luke Travers. Time and time again, Catholic priests and bishops have tried to punish those who speak up about abuse reports and rumors.
http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2016/07/ex-coach_suing_delbarton_and_ex-headmaster.html
RI toughens mandatory reporting law; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, July 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We applaud the brave and compassionate Rhode Island abuse victims and children’s advocates who have won reforms in the state’s mandatory reporting law. We hope state lawmakers will now take a crucial next step and relax or repeal Rhode Island’s archaic, predator-friendly statute of limitations, the single biggest obstacle that prevents child sex abuse victims from protecting kids and exposing cover ups.
http://ripr.org/post/governor-signs-bill-closing-st-georges-loophole
KS-- Big KC church denies trying to “out” young victims; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, July 8, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
Officials at a Kansas City church are bullying two girls – ages 11 year old and a 13 year old and their mom. Now, the church’s lawyer is trying to deny the bullying.
A mother and her daughters are suing Westside Family Church in Lenexa. The mom wants to continue protecting the privacy and recovery of her daughters who were sexually violated by a serial predator who helped with Vacation Bible School.
But Westside wants a judge to “out” them and prevent them from moving forward as “Jane Does.” For decades, however, judges in the US have let crime victims seek justice while safeguarding their anonymity. This is especially true when kids are involved.
The church’s motion, filed in Johnson County Court, starts with this phrase: “Westside requests that this Court deny the plaintiffs’ motion (for) a pseudonym.”
IL--Chicago archbishop gets new post; Victims are disappointed
For immediate release: Thursday, July 7, 2016
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
We’re disappointed that Pope Francis has promoted Chicago Archbishop Blasé Cupich. He' no "reformer" when it comes to abuse and cover ups.
Here are two recent and problematic moves by Cupich regarding clergy sex crimes and cover ups:
http://www.snapnetwork.org/victims_blast_cupich_for_fr_mccormack_case_statement
http://www.snapnetwork.org/il_new_archbishop_ignores_victims
MN--Abusive cult figure exploits technicality; Victims respond
For immediate release: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
Of course accused serial child molester Victor Barnard is trying to exploit a legal loophole to evade responsibility for his horrific crimes. Why wouldn’t he? He’s seen hundreds or thousands of other clerics who’ve committed or concealing child sexual abuse take advantage of the same technicalities.
NJ--Delbarton whistleblower trial approaches; Victims respond
For immediate release: Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790,314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We strongly suspect that the former Delbarton coach is telling the truth when he says that school officials retaliated against him for reporting suspected sex crimes and sexual misconduct by Fr. Luke Travers. Time and time again, Catholic priests and bishops have tried to punish those who speak up about abuse reports and rumors.
http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2016/07/ex-coach_suing_delbarton_and_ex-headmaster.html