For a decade, advocates have argued commanders should be removed from deciding the fate of those accused of sexual assault in the U.S. military. But military victim advocates now say they too should be removed from the chain of command. Nick Schifrin talks to four military victim advocates about the widespread and longstanding problem of sexual assault in the military, and possible solutions.
News Story of the Day
Priest ‘sexually and physically’ abused boys at Belvedere College in 1970s
A Jesuit priest abused boys at Belvedere College in Dublin’s city centre when he taught there in the 1970s, the congregation has confirmed, two years after being confronted by a former victim about the secrecy surrounding the case.
The Conscience of the Catholic Church
Anne Barrett Doyle is a devoted mother, practicing Catholic, and one of the fiercest crusaders against clergy sex abuse.
Child sexual abuse victims retraumatised in their fight for justice
He was 12 years old when the abuse started.
The principal at his elite Christchurch Catholic school would call the boys to his office to check their lunch boxes. When J arrived, the principal would take him into his office and tell him his parents had sent him to the school “to help him become a man”.
Boston College investigates prominent theologian after sexual assault allegation
Boston College is investigating the chairman of its theology department following allegations he sexually assaulted a former classmate in 1987.
Vatican trial: Former students recall 'unhealthy' environment at minor seminary
VATICAN CITY — Several former students told a Vatican court that they experienced an "unhealthy" environment at a minor seminary inside the Vatican.
The young men, who had studied at the St. Pius X Pre-Seminary, operated by the Diocese of Como inside the Vatican, took the stand Feb. 24 at the trial in the Vatican City State criminal court against Fr. Gabriele Martinelli, who is accused of sexually abusing a fellow student at the seminary.
Opinion: The Attack in the Judicial Proceedings Committee
After the unnecessary and disturbing mudslinging in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee (JPR) earlier this month, I have been thinking about the role of character and bravery in the work of lawmakers.
Fresno-area priest resigns Catholic church amid lawsuit over misconduct investigation
A Diocese of Fresno priest accused of sexual misconduct but never criminally charged resigned from the church this week.
New Vatican thriller captures the cost of scandal
ROME – How do you measure the cost of a scandal?
Christian Brothers abused children at Fife care home 'with impunity' inquiry concludes
St Ninian’s School in Falkland exposed youngsters to risks of sexual, physical, and psychological danger for almost the entire time it was open.
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