MO - Supreme Court rejects SNAP's bid to stop KC discovery
The Missouri Supreme Court has denied our writ seeking to stop the intrusive and intimidating legal maneuvers by Kansas City Catholic officials who want 24 years of communications between our support group and victims, witnesses, whistleblowers, police, prosecutors, journalists and others who seek our help.
We're disappointed but we know that very few writs are granted. We'll continue to do everything possible to protect the privacy and safety of victims, witnesses, whistleblowers, police, prosecutors, journalists and others who seek our help. We're in unchartered waters for us and we're taking it a step at a time.
We're especially disappointed because our position is supported by two dozen children's and crime organizations, four ex-prosecutors and two current prosecutors. If Kansas City Catholic officials prevail, those who work at or are served by rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters and other non-profit agencies will be severely hurt.
Here's what the court said today:
SC92716 State ex rel. David Clohessy, in his capacity as Director of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, Relator, vs. The Honorable Ann J. Mesle, Respondent.
Petition for writ of prohibition denied.
To see the ruling:
1. Go to https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do
2. Click Case Number Search
3. Type in SC92716
4. When the page loads, click the link on the left (It should be SC92716 linked)
5. Click docket entries, and it’s at the top.
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
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