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).
Scathing Report into Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Released
A report into abuse and cover-up within the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City was just released today, and it is a scathing indictment of the church officials’ handling of cases of abuse and cover-up.
SNAP is Proud to Support the “March for the Children” in Salt Lake City
This weekend, a march to raise awareness of the issue of child sexual abuse will take place in Salt Lake City. SNAP is proud to be a supporter and partner of this march, and we hope that people around the country will pay attention to this critical movement and find ways to aid in the prevention of child sexual abuse in their own communities.
Case Filed Against Priest in Venice, Florida
A new sexual abuse and cover up case - stemming from an alleged assault just last year - has been filed against a Florida priest whose brother is also a child molesting cleric. We hope that this brave woman’s decision to come forward will encourage others who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes in the Diocese of Venice to make a report of their own.
Diocese of Tulsa Releases List of Accused Priests
The Diocese of Tulsa today released a list of accused priests. This list is a bare minimum effort to get needed information into the hands of the public.
Diocese of Dodge City Releases List of Accused Priests
Finally, 17 years after US bishops began posting the names of priests accused of abuse on church websites, the Diocese of Dodge City has done so. Parents, police, parishioners, prosecutors and the public should ask why the bishop waited for eight years before disclosing the names of these potentially dangerous men.
Another Abuse Lawsuit Filed Against Former Bishop Michael Bransfield
Another sexual abuse lawsuit has been filed against the former Bishop of Wheeling-Charleston, WV. We hope that this news will encourage any other victims who are suffering in silence to find the strength to come forward and start healing.
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