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).
CA--Archdiocese settles 2 lawsuits
For immediate release: Friday, December 18
Statement by Joelle Casteix of California, SNAP Southern California director (949-322-7434, [email protected])
We are very proud of these brave men who used the civil justice system to get accountability for the crimes of Nicolas Aguilar Rivera. They came forward and demanded justice, even though they faced huge odds.
http://patch.com/california/culvercity/la-archdiocese-settles-molestation-suit-2-brothers
Vatican--Victims question Mother Teresa’s sainthood speed
For immediate release, December 18, 2015
Statement by Barbara Blaine, President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected]).
Vatican officials are fast-tracking sainthood for Mother Teresa. It should be noted that her long time Spiritual Adviser was a serial predator, Jesuit, Fr. Donald McGuire ( http://www.bishop-accountability.org/news2012/01_02/2012_01_11_Jamison_TaintedSaint.htm) who was criminally convicted.
MN--Archdiocese back in court
For immediate release: Friday, December 18
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
There's just one way to see if this new agreement between St. Paul's prosecutor and Catholic officials is good: time. It will be years or months before we can tell if this deal is workable and worthwhile.
http://www.startribune.com/archdiocese-back-in-court-on-abuse-charges/362927531/
TX--Port Arthur cleric removed
For immediate release Thursday December 17, 2015
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
We are grateful that civil authorities are handling the investigation of Port Arthur cleric Fr. David Placette. But now is not the time for complacency. It’s time for every single person who may have seen, suspected or suffered crimes or misdeeds by Placette – or cover ups by church officials – to come forward, get help, call police, expose wrongdoers and protect kids.
PA--Victims disappointed over Sandusky pension decision
For immediate release: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We’re disappointed that state officials are not appealing the decision that gives convicted serial child predator Jerry Sandusky a generous pension.
CA--Statewide drive to reform CA child sex laws to start
For immediate release: Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015
Statement by Joelle Casteix of California, SNAP Southern California director (949-322-7434, [email protected])
A statewide petition drive to make California kids safer by repealing archaic, predatory-friendly laws will soon start. We applaud this move and the brave survivor who’s responsible for it.
IN--Victims blast Subway pitchman Jared Fogle over appeal
For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, SNAP outreach director (314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
We’re saddened but not surprised that ex-Subway pitchman Jared Fogle is appealing his child porn sentence. That’s just what predators do: exploit the legal system like they exploit their victims.
WI--New Superior bishop has big job ahead
For immediate release: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The Vatican has named a new bishop of Superior Wisconsin. He has big shoes to fill and one gaping injustice to correct.
MN--Group praises Lutheran abuse victim for new lawsuit
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 14, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We applaud the brave woman who is suing an abusive Minnesota youth minister and shining a light on child sex crimes and cover ups in Protestant denominations.
NY--Judge OKs unusual child sex suit; Victims respond
For immediate release: Monday, Dec. 14, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A significant new legal ruling lets a novel clergy abuse and cover up lawsuit proceed. We’re grateful for this innovative approach, the judge who approved it and for the brave victim who is bringing it.
A Long Island girl reports that she was sexually abused by Fr. Gregory Yacyshyn, pastor of St. Jude Catholic Church in Mastic Beach NY. (631-281-5743,[email protected])
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