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).
Gag Order Lifted: Cardinal George Pell Convicted of Abusing Children, SNAP Responds
In December, one of the world's most powerful Catholic officials was found guilty on multiple charges of abusing children in the 1990s. Today, people around the world are better able to learn about this because of this lifting of a gag order.
New Lawsuit Filed in Buffalo, SNAP Responds
A new lawsuit against the Diocese of Buffalo, the Franciscan Order, and a high school school in upstate New York was filed today. We applaud the bravery of the victim and hope that this lawsuit helps her on her healing journey.
As the Pope’s Summit Ends, Survivors Continue on Their Own Path towards Healing and Prevention with the Help of Secular Officials
For immediate release: February 25, 2019
After four long days in Rome, survivors and advocates who had hoped to see Catholic church officials take concrete action towards ending the clergy abuse and cover-up crisis were left disappointed. At the end, Pope Francis offered only words, “reflection points,” and policies to consider for the future.
SNAP’s Reflection Points: 21 Things People Can Do to Prevent Abuse and Support Survivors
Here we have provided 21 suggested steps that you can take to help prevent abuse, protect children, and support survivors. If you have any ideas for other steps, please contact us.
Evansville Diocese Releases List of Accused Clerics
A diocese in Indiana has released their list of clerics who have been “credibly” accused of abuse. We applaud this move but push for further action.
Fact sheet on St. Louis area accused priests still “under the radar” (2/19)
This is the fact sheet that was passed out today at the St. Louis press event. This is a fact sheet on the accused priests that remain under the radar in Missouri.
Policy Change is Meaningless Without Discipline
For immediate release: February 21, 2019
Statement from NY Leader Janet Klinger on Bishop John McGann
We are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We exist for two reasons: To protect the vulnerable and to heal the wounded. We are here today for three reasons.
SNAP Supports California Effort to Remove Ecclesiastical Exemptions in Mandatory Reporting Laws
A bill has been introduced into the California State Senate that would remove exemptions in mandatory reporting laws that allow clergy to avoid punishment for refusing to report allegations of child abuse or neglect.
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