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).
AUSTRALIA- Survivors welcome charge against Bishop Wilson for failing to report child sex crime
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Statement by Nicky Davis, Leader, SNAP Australia, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ([email protected], 0422 538 440)
Survivors’ long wait for any senior church official in Australia to be held responsible for covering up widespread and systemic child sex crimes is finally over.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-31921828
KY -- Please help us protect kids!
WHO WE ARE
We are child sex abuse victims who belong to a self-help group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests
WHY WE’RE HERE
We want to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and expose the truth about clergy who commit and conceal child sex crimes.
KY -- Louisville area nuns who are or have been accused of child sexual abuse -- SNAP FACT SHEET 3/15
We’re concerned about abuse by nuns because a disproportionately high number of accused child molesting nuns have worked and lived in Louisville. Abuse by women has gotten little attention and victims of women often get little compassion and considerable misunderstanding.
Nuns also change their names more often than priests so could more easily get access to more kids even after being publicly accused.
In very cursory Internet research, we found that the last nun on this list has been sent elsewhere and is teaching immigrants, a very vulnerable group.
MN -- Four credibly accused MN clerics identified; Victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, March 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Four New Ulm Catholic priests have been identified as “credibly accused” child molesters but again, church officials ask victims to call them instead of calling law enforcement FIRST. That’s irresponsible and self-serving.
MD -- Victims hope Catholic abuse case goes to trial
For immediate release: Friday, March 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
We are glad that an ex-employee is suing the Baltimore archdiocese and we hope the case goes to trial so that parents and the public learn more about child sex abuse allegations at a Catholic school.
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/former-librarian-sues-school-over-firing-after-sex-abuse-case/31774264
ROME- Group urges Vatican to hire victim
For immediate release: Friday, March 13, 2015
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
We hope Vatican officials hire Pete Saunders to head an abuse office, but only if they're prepared to fully fund it and give him wide latitude. While we are unconvinced that the papal abuse panel on which he sits has much chance to make a difference, we support any move that decreases the role of clerics in dealing with clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
HI--Victims blast judge for predator’s light sentence
For immediate release: Thursday, March 12
Statement by Joelle Casteix of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests 949 322 7434, [email protected]
We're appalled that an admitted child molesting teacher may spend just a year in prison.
UT--Victims back Utah white collar crime registry BUT. . .
For immediate release: Thursday, March 12
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Utah may create the nation’s first registry of white collar criminals. We applaud this move but urge lawmakers to also consider a registry of those convicted of failure to report suspected child sex crimes.
SC--Victims blast Bob Jones University over “inaction”
For immediate release: Thursday, March 12
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
We are dreadfully disappointed in Bob Jones University officials who refuse to reform in the wake of a thorough investigation into how sexual crimes and cover ups happened at the school.
We join victims of abuse and betrayal at BJU who feel very let down by the obvious inaction by top university staffers.
RI--Victims urge caution with RI Catholic boarding school
For immediate release: Thursday, March 12
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We’re worried that a controversial, secretive Catholic group will open a boarding school in Rhode Island.
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