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 blast Penn State Trustee candidates over Paterno statue
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
We are deeply disappointed that three candidates for the Penn State trustees have expressed a desire to restore Joe Paterno’s legacy. At least one of them -Ricardo Azziz- specifically wants Paterno’s statue put back up.
GA- Archbishop offers "weird" apology; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Gregory's "apology" about his extravagant spending rings hollow.
IL- Another Belleville predator priest suit filed; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Another person who was sexually assaulted by Belleville's Fr. Robert J. Vonnahmen has filed a civil child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit against Catholic officials.
CA- Records on SD predator priest are released, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
Long secret records about a San Diego predator priest have been released in Minnesota where he molested before he moved to California.
CT- Priest arrested for sexual assault, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, March 31, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
A Connecticut priest who has been suspended since last year has been arrested for sexual assault. We are glad that this dangerous predator has finally been arrested.
MN- Children’s pastor arrested for soliciting a minor, victims respond
For immediate release: Monday, March 31, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Minnesota children’s pastor has been arrested for allegedly soliciting a minor. We are extremely concerned that a man entrusted by his community to lead children in their faith has been arrested for allegedly sexually soliciting a child.
Rome- Vatican blesses bishops' plan to NOT report child abuse
For immediate release: Friday, March 28
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
With the blessing of the Vatican, Italy's bishops have formally declared they have no duty to call police if they suspect that a child is being sodomized or raped.
National- Bishops praise themselves on child sex abuse again, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, outreach director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
We have three objections to these new claims by US bishops.
NE- Diocese refuses to participate in church abuse program
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
A Catholic panel has released a report on whether and how bishops are abiding by the vague, weak and virtually never enforced "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."
Ireland- Church watchdog group omitted information, victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
A group hired to investigate the Irish Catholic church's child safety policy has been accused of omitting key information. If it is true and they omitted information and are denying it, we are deeply disappointed and concerned.