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I’m honored, truly honored, to be among you. Thanks so much for having me here. By way of background, I was molested by a priest as a kid. So were four of my brothers. One of them went on to become a priest. And he went on to molest kids himself. And now you know why, for more than 30 years, I’ve been with SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

We are pleased to release our 2018 Annual Report! Our movement has seen a lot of momentum, energy, and excitement in the past year and through it all SNAP leaders and volunteers have been there to help protect the vulnerable and prevent future cases of abuse.

Here is a sample letter that you can use when reaching out to your state representatives and encouraging them to take up the important issue of statute of limitations (SOL) reform. We have also included some helpful links to other information and resources you can use in your advocacy efforts.

Dear Catholic Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Nuns and other Employees,

Soon, according to Church policy, you will be a 'mandatory reporter,' required to tell your supervisors about any information or suspicions you have about known or suspected child sex crimes, the abuse of adults by clergy, or cover ups.

For the past two years, Sam Young has led a one-man charge to reform the LDS church and to protect children within the Mormon faith. Now, Sam is taking his campaign nationwide and is urging everyone to take one of three simple actions that can protect EVERY child.

Fr. Gary Hayes has gone home to the Lord.  I wish to express to his family sincere condolences on his passing.  While suffering with Cancer is extraordinarily painful, debilitating and frustrating, it brought Gary home to you because family is where we look for comfort.  Your brother once said, “What is most meaningful often comes from your worst suffering”. In his last suffering with cancer he found the most meaningful relationships, you his family.  He confided in me just a few weeks ago how incredibly happy he was to have rebuilt and strengthened his ties with each of you and how important those bonds were to his heart and to his healing.  He was eternally grateful for your love and incredible care.

Our movement is filled with brave, eloquent survivors who have uttered lines at news conferences that fill me with pride and amazement. One of them is Fr. Gary Hayes. Or I should say “was.” Gary has passed away.

A new study has been released today from the Center for Justice and Democracy at New York Law School and the findings are important for survivors of sexual abuse and their advocates.

Our partners at CHILD USA are strong advocates, great partners, and dedicated professionals who are working to change the statutes of limitations for cases of child sexual abuse around the country. They have just announced an exciting new venture and we are excited to share their news with you! See below for the full release from CHILD USA:

We are taking the fight to Rome and are standing up for all survivors on a world stage! From February 19-25, Board President Tim Lennon and Seattle SNAP Leader Mary Dispenza will be traveling to Rome for Pope Francis' Papal Abuse Summit. But these two brave leaders can't do it on their own, we need your help to make this trip effective.