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).
PA--Victims praise Sue Paterno for generous prevention work
For immediate release: Friday, April 10
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
We commend Sue Paterno for funding an abuse program in Pennsylvania universities. We urge others in the Penn State community to follow her lead and donate to efforts that help prevent and detect child sex crimes.
MN--Victims “disappointed” church court delay
For immediate release: Thursday, April 9
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
We’re disappointed that Catholic officials are already seeking to delay the bankruptcy process.
PA--Victims blast Penn State trustee
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 9
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
A Penn State trustee criticized Jerry Sandusky’s victims today as the university settled at least one more child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit.
Penn State "has been targeted very, very much by those who would take advantage of who we are," Robert Jubelirer said. "We need to put a stop to the spigot that has been turned on, and actually fight back and stand up for the university."
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/04/penn_state_board_acts_to_settl.html
IL -- Victims blast Cupich for Fr. McCormack case statement
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by Kate Bochte of Chicago, SNAP leader (630 768 1860, [email protected])
Archbishop Blasé Cupich showed today that he deals with clergy sex crimes and cover ups no better than his predecessor did.
Two more civil abuses and cover up lawsuits are being filed tomorrow against the archdiocese for the dreadfully deceitful and reckless way top Catholic officials kept Fr. Daniel McCormack on the job around unsuspecting families despite repeated warnings and “red flags” of inappropriate behavior.
IL- Victims praise Archbishop for abuse comments
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, President of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312 399 4747, [email protected])
We applaud Archbishop Blase Cupich for saying, at Parish Leadership Day at Marist High School, that “People are leaving (the church). A lot of people left because of the abuse crisis.”
(See YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ2hwxSeF8Y&feature=youtu.be)
UK--Victims blast Home Office panel with no survivors on it
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
A government panel ostensibly set up to help child sex abuse survivors is, sadly, already hurting them by excluding them.
CA--Victims blast Orange Co. judge over rapist’s sentence
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by Joelle Casteix of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949 322 7434, [email protected])
We are outraged that an Orange County judge reduced a child rapist’s sentence, claiming the criminal “did not appear to consciously intend to harm (the victim) when he sexually assaulted her.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/07/kevin-rojano-child-rapist-sentence-reduced_n_7019762.html
Africa--Victims to Congo bishops: Do outreach about priest murder case
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
A Congo priest is a suspect in a murder in Italy. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gay-orgies-and-murder-scandals-engulf-vatican-10162394.html
Rome--Victims to Vatican: Do outreach in suspected murder & orgy cases
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
There’s a common thread in the two pending Italian Catholic scandals – an alleged murder by a priest and alleged orgies by another priest. It’s a common thread in nearly all clergy sex abuse, misconduct and cover up cases: Virtually no Catholic official ever urges his flock to help law enforcement officials.
TX--Group praises Marsh's victims; urge others to come forward
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 8
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected]
We are glad that child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits against a Texas millionaire have settled but we suspect that there are other kids who were violated and are still suffering in shame, silence and self-blame. We urge them to come forward, expose wrongdoers and start healing.
http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2015-04-07/chase-tower-businesses-settle-lawsuit-linked-marsh-3
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