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).
IN--Victims write Indy church re abuse case
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 20, 2016
For more information: David Clohessy 314-566-9790, [email protected], Barbara Dorris 314 503 0003, [email protected]
Abuse case sparks controversy
Victims write to Indy congregants
Group says child was abused by older teen
It wants open public meeting and more training
SNAP: “We suspect police weren’t promptly called”
A support group for abuse victims believes a child was recently molested by a member of an Indianapolis church and urging congregants to prod church staff to be more forthcoming about the incident.
NY--Victims blast NYC prosecutors for inaction on proposed bill
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 20, 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])
Only one New York City prosecutor is brave, wise and caring enough to advocate repealing the state’s archaic child sex abuse deadline that endangers kids and helps predators.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-da-supports-fixing-child-rape-law-article-1.2607793
AR--Victims challenge church where abuse happened
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 20, 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])
A Jonesboro church employee was sentenced yesterday for repeatedly raping the two girls but still faces charges of video voyeurism and child pornography.
Now, we challenge First Assembly of God Church staff and members to aggressively reach out to find others who saw, suspected or suffered crimes by Anthony Waller.
Why?
Because church officials gave Waller access to kids
Because Waller faces more charges
Because police and prosecutors need help pursuing predators
Because the more law enforcement knows about a criminal the more appropriately he can be sentenced.
VA--University is misleading students and staff, victims group says
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Statement by Barbra Graber (540-214-8874), [email protected]) Anabaptist Mennonite Chapter of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
A statement released on Friday by Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) officials to its students and staff is misleading and depressing.
Their statement comes after a courageous survivor, Lauren Shifflett, wrote a moving account last week of the suffering she endured when EMU vice-president Luke Hartman stalked and abused her during the time she was an EMU student and while he worked at Skyline Middle School in Harrisonburg. He also stalked her while he was VP.
EMU keeps misleading the public by claiming things are in the past. Hartman was a university VP until a few months ago when he was arrested for solicitation of prostitution. A stalking event occurred in 2014 and drove Shifflett, out of fear, to report to congregational leaders at Lindale Mennonite congregation in Harrisonburg, VA, yet Hartman remained in his high position for another year and a half until his arrest in January 2016.
Vatican--Novel suit is filed vs. convicted predator who’s set to go back to work; Victims respond
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 19, 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])
It may be the most irresponsible Vatican move we’ve ever seen: Catholic officials in Rome have lifted the suspension of a recently convicted predator priest. We are stunned and saddened by such blatant recklessness and callousness
But we’re grateful that one of the priest’s victims is filing a new lawsuit, using a new approach, to try and protect kids from this admitted child molesting cleric.
ND-- Fargo bishop ignores abuse case; Victims respond
For immediate release: Monday, April 18, 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])
The callous comment yesterday by Fargo Bishop John Folda shows that Catholic officials still puts their comfort and careers ahead of kids’ safety.
Folda says his diocese has “no connection with” Fr. Joseph Jeyapaul and would not comment on the convicted cleric, since it “involves a priest outside his diocese,” according to one newspaper.
MO-- Convicted sex offender wants to resume dentistry; Victims respond
For immediate release: Saturday, April 16, 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 authorities who are trying to stop a dentist convicted of child sex crimes from resuming his practice in an office that serves children. The physical safety of kids trumps the job preferences of adults, especially those who prey on the vulnerable and plead guilty to serious crimes.
IL--Pro-Hastert letters will be disclosed; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 15, 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 are grateful that a judge insists that letters backing Denny Hastert be made public. Sunshine is the antidote to secrecy, especially when powerful adults commit or conceal heinous child sex crimes.
http://foxillinois.com/news/local/judge-orders-hastert-letters-to-be-made-public-04-15-2016
AL--Alabama has “most risky day cares,” investigation shows; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, April 15, 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 disturbing new investigation has found that “Alabama offers religious day cares the most freedom of any state, shielding them from most government oversight.” As a result, innocent children suffer.
“More than 900 Alabama day cares say they are affiliated with religious groups, leaving almost half of all child care in the state free from most regulation,” according to licensing documents, the new report says.
The horrifying details are here:
MA-- Jury finds for Catholic abuse victim; Group responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 14, 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 victim of a predatory Catholic teacher has won his civil trial. We applaud him for having the courage to report and expose crimes by Albert Vaillancourt of the Fall River Catholic diocese and those who ignored or hid those crimes.
http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2009/01_02/2009_02_11_Sotnik_LocalTeacher.htm
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