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).
IN--Victims blast Indiana RFRA law & others that block child sex suits
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
The dispute over RFRA laws – in Indiana and elsewhere – involves more than adults with differing beliefs. It also involves innocent young kids and wounded adult victims who suffer when claims of “religious freedom” are used to protect clerics who commit and conceal heinous child sex crimes.
SC--Victims blast Bob Jones University over rape
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
Our hearts ache for the brave women and men who have been betrayed three times by Bob Jones officials who take few or no real steps to prevent rape, re-victimize rape victims who find the courage to report these heinous crimes, and now refuse to adopt recommendations to reform the school’s oppressive and hurtful practices around sexual violence.
(See new America Aljazeera story on The Abuse Tracker)
Rome--Francis digs heels in over Chilean bishop
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
It’s official: Pope Francis is standing by his cruel and hurtful promotion of a bishop who faces credible allegations of enabling, ignoring and watching child sex crimes.
VT--Victims blast Jehovah's Witnesses in abuse trial
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Officials with a purportedly spiritual group is splitting hairs and exploiting loopholes more befitting of cold-hearted corporate CEOs.
KY--Ex-Louisville church worker sentenced in abuse case
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Yesterday, a Louisville native and former church employee was sentenced to 25 years in prison for molesting boys in Missouri. We urge his former colleagues in his Louisville congregation to aggressively seek out others who he may have assaulted.
http://www.signalscv.com/section/36/article/134873/
http://fox2now.com/2014/02/11/youth-minister-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-children/
Canada--Victims blast Catholic officials about predator
For immediate release: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Catholic officials admit that child sex abuse allegations against a priest who worked for a Catholic school board in Toronto have been deemed “credible.” We hope this disclosure will prod other victims to come forward and get help.
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/statement-regarding-father-james-roth-osfs.html
KY--Ex-Louisville church worker to be sentenced re abuse
For immediate release: Friday, March 27
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
A Louisville native and former church employee will be sentenced soon for molesting boys in Missouri. We urge his former colleagues in his Louisville congregation to aggressively seek out others who he may have assaulted.
http://fox2now.com/2014/02/11/youth-minister-arrested-for-sexually-assaulting-children/
AK--Victims’ group blasts victim-shaming in clergy abuse case
For immediate release: Friday, March 27, 2015
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga CA, Orthodox Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175, [email protected])
Leaders of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, are seething over the content of a letter to the editor of the Kodiak Daily News, which calls into question the testimony of students abused at Saint Innocent’s Academy (SIA).
Vatican -- Victims say Pope should oust Chilean bishop
For immediate release: Thursday, March 26
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 applaud the two victims on the pope’s abuse panel who are speaking out against the promotion of a corrupt prelate. We call on Francis to reverse himself and out the Chilean bishop he just appointed.
OH-MI-UT-Canada -- Victims blast Catholic officials
For immediate release: Thursday, March 26
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, 314 566 9790, [email protected]
Catholic officials in Toledo and Detroit admit that child sex abuse allegations against a priest have been deemed “credible.” We hope this disclosure will prod other victims to come forward and get help.
http://www.catholicchronicle.org/index.php/Diocesan/statement-regarding-father-james-roth-osfs.html
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