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).
Ok- Top Jehovah’s Witness officials may face criminal charges, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, February 10, 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])
An Oklahoma prosecutor is charging that top Jehovah’s Witness officials knew about but concealed allegations of child rape. We are glad that the DA’s office is working to expose these heinous crimes.
NY- Albany doesn’t have to release sex abuse documents, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, February 7, 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])
The Albany diocese will not have to release 40 years of sexual abuse records.
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Albany-diocese-wins-ruling-on-abuse-records-5214411.php
The victim filed suit in Vermont, which is where the abuse took place. The priest Gary Mercure was based out of the Albany diocese. The statute of limitations is less restrictive in Vermont than in New York and the victim’s attorney showed through business records that the Albany diocese has close ties with Vermont.
HI- Testimony backing statute of limitations reform
David Clohessy, Director, SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, (7234 Arsenal Street, St. Louis MO 63143), 314 566 9790 cell. ([email protected])
(Hearing is Friday, February 7 at 2 p.m. in Hawaii.)
I strongly support SB 2687 and HB 2014. By way of background, I have been the director of SNAP for 25 years. Four boys in our family, including me, were molested as kids by the same predator priest. One of the victims, my younger brother, grew up to become a priest. Because he molested kids as well, my brother is now suspended from the priesthood.
Vatican claims UN panel “gave more credence to NGOs” over church officials, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, February 07, 2014
Statement by Peter Isely of Milwaukee, board member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (414-429-7259, [email protected])
Papal spokesman claims UN panel “gave more credence to NGOs” over church officials. This is simply not true.
Poland- First ever lawsuit against Polish Catholic Church, SNAP responds
For immediate release Thursday, February 06, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
For the first time in its history the Polish Catholic Church is being sued by a victim of a pedophile priest.
Legion of Christ official apologizes; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 6 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 Legion of Christ official apologized to victims today.
AL- Youth Minister charged with multiple counts of sexual abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, February 6, 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 children’s minister from Alabama has been charged with over 30 counts of child sexual abuse.
IL- Archdiocese admits - 4 years late - another predator priest
For immediate release: Thursday, February 6, 2014
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Four years ago, a priest was reported to Catholic officials for alleged child sexual abuse. Eight months ago, that priest was sued for alleged child sexual abuse.
NH- Clergy sex victims seek more info on charges
For immediate release: Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014
For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Clergy sex victims seek more info on charges
NH church official pled guilty to felony theft
But amount he stole from 3 institutions remains hidden
“Citizens and Catholics deserve to know more,” SNAP says
SNAP rebuts criticism of UN report
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A British Catholic, Austen Ivereigh, has blasted the United Nations panel that found that Catholic officials “still place children in many countries at high risk of sexual abuse, as dozens of child sexual offenders are reported to be still in contact with children.”
http://cvcomment.org/2014/02/05/how-the-holy-see-was-ambushed-by-a-un-kangaroo-court/
Let's take a quick look at some of his claims.
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