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).
OH- Ohio civil offender registry isn't working; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 19, 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 “civil registry” of child molesters set up eight years ago by Ohio lawmakers has never been used, the Columbus Dispatch reports today.
UT- Mormon leader admits marrying underage girls, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 19, 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 Mormon leader testified under oath in Utah that he married several underage girls. We are glad that this testimony is not only public, but can be used in court against this man.
MA- Fundraiser set for clergy sex victims' group
For immediate release: Wednesday, March 19, 2014
For more information: Barbara Blaine, SNAP Founder and President (312)399-4747, [email protected] and David Clohessy, SNAP Executive Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Fundraiser set for victims' group
In honor of SNAP 25th anniversary
Group's founder & president will speak
Massachusetts Citizens for Children is hosting a lecture and fundraiser this Sunday (March 23) to mark and honor the 25th anniversary of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.
UK- Scottish commission to hear from abuse survivors, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 18, 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 Scottish commission set up to review the Catholic Church’s response to abuse allegations will hear from abuse victims. We are glad that the committee is giving a voice to victims, but further action is required.
Poland- priest detained for child sexual abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 18, 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])
Another priest in Poland has been accused of sexually molesting a child and showing them pornography. We are saddened by this new revelation, but glad victims in Poland are finally being heard.
CT- SNAP to Hartford archbishop: Drop your appeal
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312 399-4747, [email protected])
Kids are safest when predators are jailed. But sometimes that can't happen.
NJ- Newark bishop defends his colleague; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 18, 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])
In a depressing op-ed Newark Bishop Hebda defends the opulent and expensive retirement home Archbishop John Myers is building for himself.
NJ- Notorious predator priest defrocked; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Fr. Michael Fugee of the Newark Archdiocese has been defrocked by the Vatican. He's the first predator priest whose defrocking was insisted on by a prosecutor. And Archbishop John Myers' recklessness, and callousness in this case is among the most egregious misconduct by a Catholic official that we've seen in the past decade.
UK- Catholic friar admits downloading child pornography, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, March 17, 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 Catholic friar from Camden has pleaded guilty to possession of thousands of extremely graphic child pornography images. We are glad that that he is facing justice, but concerned about potential victims.
MN- Predator priest from Winona rises through clerical ranks
For immediate release: Monday, March 17, 2014
For more info David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Priest with child sex abuse allegations is promoted
He is accused of molesting at least four boys & was sued
But he went overseas and is second-in-command of a diocese
And at least one child sex lawsuit against him has been settled
Argentine native also was ordained in and worked in Winona MN
A Catholic priest who worked in Winona and allegedly molested several boys is now second-in-command at a diocese in Paraguay. And a victims' group wants Minnesota bishops to reach out to others he has hurt and urge the Pope to intervene and defrock him.
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