Media Statements
We are SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are the largest, oldest and most active support group for women and men wounded by religious authority figures (priests, ministers, bishops, deacons, nuns and others).
SNAP Slams Latest Intimidation Tactics by Jesuits in New York
In their latest effort to dodge the deluge of lawsuits from survivors of clergy abuse, Jesuit officials are deploying a new tactic that is obviously aimed at scaring victims and witnesses into silence. We hope their tactic is thrown out in court today, and that survivors will be protected as they exercise their legal rights.
SNAP Applauds as California Governor Signs SOL Reform into Law
We applaud lawmakers in California, especially Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez for introducing this important reform bill and Governor Gavin Newsom for signing it into law yesterday. Californians can be proud of their leadership on this issue.
Manhattan SNAP Leader Comments on Enlightenment Machine no. 1
The below are comments that were delivered by Manhattan's SNAP Leader, Brian Toale, at today's premiere of Enlightenment Machine no. 1, the new play from NYC nurse, survivor and activist Kat Sullivan.
Welcome, everyone. The play you have just seen is meant to celebrate those whom few of us ever thought we would be celebrating; survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Today we carry the message that every survivor of childhood sexual abuse deserves their chance to heal. This is true whether or not you want to confront your abuser, seek justice in the courts, or share your story with the public. None of that is required to begin the healing process.
Letter from SNAP To CA AG Becerra Regarding Witness Intimidation and Harassment
Dear Attorney General Becerra:
Attached is a letter SNAP just sent to the Bishop of Fresno. As you will read, a victim and witness to sexual assault by a current priest, Msgr. Craig Harrison, is being sued, harassed and threatened by the suspended clergyman. The harassment is escalating and we hope that your office can do something to intervene.
Judge Denies Fr. Drew’s Motion to Reduce Bail, SNAP Reacts
A Cincinnati judge has denied a request from priest accused of abuse to reduce his bail. We are grateful for this move as it will ensure that the survivors of this priest will have their day in court.
New Lawsuit Filed Against the Diocese of Biloxi
A new sexual abuse and cover up case has been filed against a Mississippi diocese. We hope that this brave survivor’s decision to come forward will encourage others who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes in the Diocese of Biloxi to make a report of their own.
Belleville bishop fights new sex abuse suit
As they have for decades, Belleville Catholic officials are trying to exploit a technicality to evade responsibility for the alleged crimes of a credibly accused child molesting priest. Shame on them.
Fr. Patrick Casey Pleads Guilty, SNAP Reacts
A Michigan priest who was charged with sexual abuse has pled to a lesser charge. For the safety of the vulnerable, we hope the cleric is put behind bars for as long as possible.
By Denying Jehovah’s Witnesses Appeal, Supreme Court Sides with Transparency over Secrecy
In a win for transparency and the public good, an appeal that sought to give more leeway to church officials in how they handle allegations of abuse will not be heard by the Supreme Court. We are grateful for this decision and hope that it will lead to safer, more informed communities.
Priest Who Admitted Abuse on Video Also Spent Time in St. Louis and Kansas
In a newly published investigation, a priest who was in the St. Louis archdiocese admitted on video molesting several young boys and a developmentally disabled young man.
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