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).
IL-- "End the statute of limitations on child sex crimes"
Statement by Barbara Blaine of SNAP (312 399 4747), April 28, 2016
If one in four homes were burglarized in Illinois, lawmakers would be jumping into action.
If one in eight cars were stolen in IL, lawmakers would be climbing over one another to propose solutions.
But one in four girls and one in eight boys are sexually violated as children in Illinois. So where’s the legislative uproar?
And most child molesters, unlike Denny Hastert, never get caught. The relatively few who are caught, like Denny Hastert, hurt several or many kids and perpetrate for years undetected, in part because it takes them so long to be able to tell. Telling is not simple. It usually takes years before victims realize what happened to them as children was criminal and abusive, and that it still cripples them years later. Then it takes strength and courage to come forward. When they do, they are usually told, “You’re too late.” Those who committed the crimes go scot-free. Those who concealed the crimes go scot-free. And those who suffered the crimes keep suffering.
We applaud Attorney General Lisa Madigan for speaking out for statute of limitations reform.
IL--Statement by victim of Chicago's Fr. Wellems
Statement Eric Johnson of Colorado, repeatedly sexually abused as a child by Fr. Bruce Wellems
Although Wellems has publicly admitted to sexually abusing me as 7 year old boy when he was 15, he remains active as a suspended priest, and as an influence with At-Risk Youth. Although his faculties in the Archdiocese have been temporarily suspended; as a Claretian, he is allowed to appear as a leader and have contact with kids.
By the time I found the courage to tell my Mother about Wellem's sexual abuse, I was well past the Stature of Limitations. Guilt, Confusion, Depression and Shame eat at you to a point so low that you have a choice; Continue to be self destructive and die, or share your story.
OK--Wrestling Hall of Fame weighs Hastert honor
For immediate release: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We’re glad officials at the Wrestling Hall of Fame are considering removing Hastert’s name and honors. But they should have done so long ago.
IL--Judge for protects Hastert victim’s privacy; Victims respond
For immediate release: Thursday, April 28, 2016
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
We applaud an Illinois judge who is protecting the privacy of a victim of Denny Hastert. If kids are to be protected from predators, we must make it easier and safer for victims to come forward at any time under any circumstances.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dennis-hastert-lawsuit-accuser-can-stay-anonymous-now-n564206
PA--Judge: Trial vs. Catholic officials will go forward; Victims respond
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We’re grateful that the trial of three Pennsylvania Catholic officials who repeatedly ignored and hid child sex abuse reports against a cleric will go forward.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-lawyers-argue-judge-friars-case-38711199
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/04/principal_franciscans_didnt_me.html
Washington D.C.--SNAP urges Congress to censure Hastert & reform SOL
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We urge Rep. Paul Ryan and the House of Representatives to censure Dennis Hastert. Inaction makes it harder for victims to report crimes. But strong action – and sometimes strong statements – can make it easier for victims to step up, expose wrongdoers and protect kids.
http://gawker.com/when-will-the-house-censure-dennis-hastert-the-child-p-1773398760
We also hope that Congress will act on Senator Chuck Schumer’s new proposal to reform the federal statute of limitations on child sex crimes.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/sen-schumer-pushes-extend-statute-sex-crimes-victims-article-1.2609238
IL--Victims applaud jail time for Hastert
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 27
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, national president member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747)
We’re grateful that Dennis Hastert will be jailed. Jailing child molesters, even elderly ones, is the best way to protect kids. Jailing him might also deter others from hiding child sex crimes.
In our view, jail time is more about prevention than punishment. It will also help encourage others who saw, suspected or suffered child sex crimes to protect kids by calling police, exposing wrongdoers and seeking justice.
NY--Buffalo bishop should do “outreach” in bus abuse case, group says
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We’re very sad but not surprised that Catholic school officials dismissed an abuse report that now seems clear was accurate. Countless times, Catholic church and school staff claim their so-called “internal investigations” – which are usually biased and inadequate – “cleared” an alleged sex offender who is often caught later by others or who offends again.
(Earlier this week, for instance, a man became the second person to sue Fr. Gregory Yacyshyn for child sex crimes. But Bishop William Murphy is letting Fr. Yacyshyn stay at work in a parish, claiming a church “investigation” can’t substantiate the charges.)
http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_new_lawsuit_says_accused_predator_priest_is_in_long_island_parish_now
http://www.snapnetwork.org/ny_second_abuse_case_filed_vs_priest_still_on_the_job
MO--Victims prod new bishop to end honoring disgraced prelate
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
Bishop Edward Rice, the new head of the Springfield diocese, should publicly urge a statewide Catholic men’s group from honoring perhaps the most disgraced US prelate ever, his predecessor, Cardinal Bernard Law
OK--Archbishop says he’ll remove convicted priest; Victims respond
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, 314 645 5915 home, [email protected])
We’re thrilled that caring and courageous parishioners challenged a reckless and secretive archbishop, and that a convicted predator priest will not head a parish with an elementary school.
http://newsok.com/article/5494351
http://kfor.com/2016/04/23/priest-convicted-of-sex-crime-finds-home-in-lawton-parish/
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