Blog
On the Responsibility of Proper Reporting on Sexual Abuse
Reporters have a tough job. They need to churn out content quickly, accurately, and often on several different subjects over the course of the day. Reporters also have a powerful job in that their writing can affect the way people think about issues of the day and the way readers talk about those issues, whether gathering around the water cooler or dinner table.
Spotlight on SNAP Toledo Leader Extraordinaire, Claudia Vercellotti
One of SNAP's impressive volunteer leaders was recently profiled for the "Alumni Spotlight" for her Alma Mater. Way to go, Claudia!
Meet Claudia Vercellotti
Tiffin University MS in CJ Graduate
Advocate for Victim Rights
Could you tell us about your background? (hometown, education, etc.)
I was born, adopted at 3 weeks of age and raised in Toledo, Ohio in a loving family, where I was the middle child and only girl. Fortunately, raised with two brothers, I was pushed at a young age to believe that I could do anything the boys could do.
Guest Blog: Marking an Odd Ten Year Anniversary
The year is moving quickly to a close but before it does, I wanted to note an odd anniversary. It was ten years ago that SNAP was the butt of the most outrageous criticism in our three decades of work.
The Catholic Church’s #NotAllMen Moment
An international Catholic organization is planning to use the last Sunday in October to recognize and applaud priests who have not abused children or vulnerable adults.
The idea behind “Priesthood Sunday” cannot be more misplaced. Obviously not all priests are abusing children. It is also obvious that many Catholics are outraged over the abuse scandal that has engulfed their church. Because of this, we cannot help but feel that “Priesthood Sunday” as organized by Serra International is little more than the Catholic Church’s “#NotAllMen” moment.
Opinion: The Crux of the Catholic Abuse Scandal, and How to Fix it
Written by David Clohessy, October 22, 2018, Social Policy
Politicians in the US don’t insist on being called Your Eminence or Your Grace. They don’t ask citizens to kneel before them or kiss their rings. That’s because we live in a democracy. There is, however, a different kind of government. It’s called a monarchy when using polite language, or more bluntly, a dictatorship. In it, those at the top hold virtually all the power and are accountable to no one.
The oldest and biggest example of this system is the Vatican. And in a nutshell, this is why clergy sex crimes and cover-ups continue in the Catholic church. This is relevant now of course because of last week’s scathing grand jury report into six Pennsylvania dioceses. It’s sending shockwaves across the church and beyond.
#MeToo, One Year Later
One year ago this week, the New York Times first ran its bombshell report on Harvey Weinstein. In the fallout of that article, the #MeToo movement re-emerged. Started by the activist Tarana Burke and led by brave survivors who wished to share their experience –in many cases, for the first time – with the world, the #MeToo movement has spread from Hollywood to cities large and small across the nation. While the full effects of the movement will be thought about, written on, and studied in classrooms for years to come, it’s hard to underestimate those effects today.
A former Attorney General pushes MO Attorney General Josh Hawley for a real investigation
It's one thing when advocates from a group like SNAP urge an elected official to take action that will protect kids and hold perpetrators accountable. But when such a plea is made by a contemporary, that can carry even more weight. SNAP is grateful to attorney Nicole Gorovsky - a former assistant Missouri attorney general and federal prosecutor - for joining us in asking Missouri’s Josh Hawley for a real investigation into clergy sex crimes and cover ups. You can read Nicole’s letter here.
#WindowToJustice -- Monday, September 24th -- Harrisburg
#WindowToJustice
Support Statute of Limitations Reform Bill
Monday
September 24th
11 a.m.
City Island
Organizers are calling on Pennsylvanians to show support for dramatic and needed reform of statute of limitations law. Demonstrate your support for reform and demand that PA legislators protect the children and the vulnerable.
Marchers will meet at City Island and will march to Capital Steps for a rally. Mark Rozzi will be giving a press conference at 12 pm to 1 pm. We invite all participants to contact their State Senators from 1 pm to 6 pm. A vigil will happen 6 pm and 8 pm.
Show the legislators that enough is enough!
Michael McDonnell
How Many More! Billboard exclaims in Louisiana
HOW MANY MORE?
Check out this amazing billboard that asks How Many More?
Open Letter to Pope Francis
By Mary Dispenza
Dear Pope Francis,
Time is begging you to do the right thing. There have been too many apologies from you and other Popes through the ages with little to no significant reform. The Catholic Church remains seemingly unable to conquer its demons. And yet, if you don't, the Catholic Church may perish - never becoming the great Church it could be.
Neither you, your bishops or priests appear serious about ending the torture and clergy sex abuse of children, minors and vulnerable adults. The silence of so many priests and bishops including yourself speaks complicity in one way or another.
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