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).
ME--Victims blast Maine bishops’ secrecy
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 25
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])
Maine parishioners deserve more details than they’re getting from their bishop about a priest who reportedly committed a “boundary violation.”
http://portlanddiocese.net/content/pastor-our-lady-snows-and-st-agnes-pittsfield-parishes-steps-down
IL- Victims ask archbishop to help in new child porn case
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 25 2015
Statement by Kate Bochte of Chicago, SNAP leader (630 768 1860, [email protected])
A suburban Chicago priest is charged with child pornography. Wouldn’t it be refreshing and reassuring to see Chicago’s archbishop take steps to help police and prosecutors in this case?
OH--Bishop still refuses to talk about defrocked predator
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 24
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, [email protected])
By his continuing, reckless and selfish secrecy, Steubenville Bishop Jeffrey Monforton is helping a defrocked priest and accused serial child predator gain access to more innocent kids and vulnerable adults.
CA--Victims praise 6 women suing LA yoga instructor
For immediate release: Monday Feb. 23
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, western regional director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949 322 7434, [email protected])
We applaud the six brave women who are suing Bikram Choudhury and his yoga business for sexual assaults. We find the defenses used by Choudhury’s lawyers to be weak, legalistic and hurtful. And we beg others who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes by Choudhury to come forward, get help, expose wrongdoing, protect others and start healing.
IL--Victims urge IL AG to act on new sex crimes investigation
For immediate release: Monday Feb. 23
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 small minority of sex crimes in 32 southern Illinois counties are ever prosecuted, according to a lengthy, thorough and shocking report by the Belleville News-Democrat. These alarming results should prompt Governor Bruce Rauner to fund and launch an investigation into such sex crimes across the state and recommend remedies to this dangerous injustice.
AK--Orthodox priest put on leave; victims’ group wants more from Church
For immediate release: Monday, February 23, 2015
Statement by Melanie Sakoda of Moraga CA, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
An Orthodox priest who has been accused of the physical, mental, and spiritual abuse of students at a school in Kodiak has been placed on a leave of absence.
MO--SNAP: “For once, archbishop, do a bit more”
For immediate release: Saturday, Feb. 21
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
On Monday, Gary P. Wolken, a serial child predator and defrocked Catholic priest, will walk free from a prison in Bonne Terre Missouri. In his 40s, he’s charismatic, charming, well-educated and well-spoken, so he’ll have plenty of chances to molest again.
CA--Victims urge Cosby fans to donate to rape prevention
For immediate release: Saturday, Feb. 22
Statement by Melanie Sakoda of Moraga, East Bay SNAP Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected], [email protected])
The cancellation of Bill Cosby’s June event in Santa Rosa can lead to something good. We urge every single person who bought a ticket to donate the cost to groups that help prevent rape.
AK--SNAP urges Orthodox victim to avoid church investigator
For immediate release: Thursday, February 19, 2015
Statement by Melanie Sakoda of Moraga CA,Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
Allegations of abuse at an Orthodox school in Kodiak are finally being investigated by church officials. However, a victims’ group is concerned that the untrained investigator looking into these charges will re-traumatize survivors.
AL--Accusations against priest kept secret
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 19
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
Alabama’s highest ranking Catholic official is breaking the national church abuse policy and breaking the trust of parents, parishioners and the public by recklessly, callously and secretly mishandling child sex charges against one of his priests.
http://lagniappemobile.com/archdiocese-attempting-stop-subpoenas-related-alleged-sexual-misconduct/
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