MA - Controversy surrounding Amherst intensifies, SNAP responds
Any time that a person reports allegations of rape or sexual assault, institutions must be prepared to accept that person, commend them for coming forward and then launch an investigation, regardless of whether the alleged crime occurred last week or last year.
It is disappointing that Amherst chose to instead question the victim’s credibility instead of trying to determine the truth of what occurred.
Situations like the one that Amherst has recently created are a major factor contributing to rape and sexual assault being widely under-reported in the US. Victims fear having their reputation questioned and their name dragged through the mud, while perpetrators of these crimes are able to get away and potentially victimize others. Amherst, out of all colleges, should know this.
Amherst President Dr. Biddy Martin has said this controversy has afforded her an “incredible opportunity to have a conversation.” We think that merely talking about rape and what steps follow an allegation is a waste of time. Instead, Dr. Martin and Amherst should immediately look at why cases of rape and assault at Amherst are not immediately followed up on, and should take steps to prevent such a lack of follow through in the future. It is fine to have a conversation, but it is not fine to mistake conversation for progress.
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