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).
FL--Victims prod bishop to act re soon-to-be-freed predator priest
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 16
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
For the safety of children, Tampa’s Catholic bishop must take action now about Fr. Robert Schaeufele, a just-freed serial predator priest.
CA--Victims abhor California prison deaths
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 16
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
It’s disturbing to read that more sex offenders are killed in California prisons. Violence and vigilantism are always wrong. No one should ever take justice into his or her own hands.
IL--Group praises victims of Chicago Imam
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 16
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 go out to the four extraordinarily brave women who report having been molested and assaulted by the powerful Muslim cleric Mohammad Abdullah Saleem.
SPAIN- Most Spanish abuse charges dropped, Victims respond
For immediate release Monday January 16, 2015
Statement by Miguel Hurtado Calvo of London (UK), Spokesperson of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (+44 (0)7 787 63 82 45 [email protected])
It’s heartbreaking that nearly all of the criminal charges against a dozen suspects in a Spanish clergy sex abuse and cover up case have been dropped.
The ten priests and two laymen who allegedly committed or concealed heinous child sex crimes must still be regarded as dangerous. We feel deeply sad for the courageous victims who reported these crimes to law enforcement. They will no doubt feel devastated by this tragic news.
PA--Victims blast Archbishop for “continued secrecy”
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 16
Statement by Karen Polesir, Philly SNAP leader, 267 992 9463, [email protected]
Could Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput possibly be more vague about the latest priest he’s suspended?
Rome--More diversity in church hierarchy may endanger kids
For immediate release: Saturday, Feb. 14
Statement by Mary Caplan of New York City, SNAP Leader, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
On Sunday, the hierarchy of the Catholic church becomes more inclusive than ever as prelates are promoted from several new nations. For the safety of kids, this could be problematic.
http://www.cruxnow.com/church/2015/02/13/pope-francis-is-poised-to-change-catholicism-forever/
WV--Victims praise police in prostitution sting
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 13
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected] )
There’s an important lesson in the Charleston prostitution arrests: no person’s title, role or job description automatically guarantees that he or she is above reproach or the law. Anyone - priest, minister, politician, or educator – can be guilty of sex offenses.
NM--Victims blast NM bishop for delays and omissions
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 13
Statement by Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach CA, western regional director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949 322 7434, [email protected])
When it comes to kids’ safety, there’s no excuse for incomplete or inaccurate information, especially when the potential threat involves alleged clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
Rome--In 2 sentences, here’s why SNAP is so skeptical
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 13
Statement by Peter Isely of Milwaukee, board member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (414 429 7259, [email protected])
Last week, Boston Cardinal O’Malley said the church needs new guidelines to discipline bishops who conceal abuse. He told journalists in Rome “When you don’t have a clear path to respond in cases of sexual abuse, people tend to improvise. And when they improvise, they make many mistakes.”
SC--Victims hope SC predator's death will bring healing
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 13
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected], [email protected])
A Baptist preacher who was accused of molesting kids and ran a controversial South Carolina childrens' home has passed away.
Mack Ford opened and operated childrens homes in Louisiana and in Waltersboro, SC. He allegedly assaulted girls in Louisiana.
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