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).
HI- Victims want 2 investigation re Hawaii/Florida predator
For immediate release: Thursday, April 17, 2014
For more info: Joelle Casteix of Newport Beach, CA, SNAP Western Regional Director (949) 322-7434, [email protected], Barb Dorris of St. Louis, MO, SNAP Outreach Director, (314) 503-0003, [email protected]
Victims seek two investigations
Long time Hawaii predator abused several foster kids
SNAP: "Catholic Charities and state agency should take action”
They gave him "unfettered access to vulnerable boys," group says
One key individual won promotions & is now a supervisor at state bureaucracy
A support group for sex abuse victims is urging Catholic Charities and Hawaii state officials and to investigate how a predator was able to foster children.
KY- Predator may do 15 years in prison
For immediate release: Thursday, April 17, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 [email protected])
We are grateful that Schook has been sentenced to 15 years. We hope he'll soon be locked up for a long time because that's the best way to safeguard kids.
CA- X-Men director sued for sexual assault, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 17, 2014
Statement by Joelle Casteix, Southern California Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (949-322-7434, [email protected])
A Hollywood director is being sued for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenager. We are glad that this brave victim is being given a voice.
KY- Louisville priest found guilty of abusing at least two boys
For immediate release: 4/16
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790 [email protected])
We are grateful that James Schook, a former priest, has been found guilty of sexually abusing at least two boys. However, we are worried that he may receive a light sentence.
OH- Victims applaud Cuyahoga prosecutors
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 16 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
A Cleveland prosecutor is asking that a priest, Fr. James McGonegal, be denied entry into an alternate sentence program. We applaud this move. Citizens are safest when predators are locked up.
http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2014/04/cleveland_priest_should_not_re.html
MN- Victims blast neighbors of cult leader
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 16, 2014
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 very upset at those in Pine County Minnesota who suspected wrongdoing at Victor A. Barnard's compound but kept silent about it. We call on each and every one of them who saw or heard or experienced unusual behavior there to contact law enforcement officials immediately.
TX- Lawsuit reveals popular pastor used nanny as sex object, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
A Texas pastor has been accused of grooming and sexually assaulting a young woman. We are grateful to this young woman for having the courage to speak up and press charges.
Vatican issues preemptive statement, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 503 0003, SNAPdorris@gmail.com)
In response to our formal filing at the United Nations, charging that the Vatican is violating the UN treaty against torture, top Catholic officials are claiming that the treaty only has jurisdiction over the tiny Vatican city state. We hope UN committee officials will see through this desperate attempt to hide from responsibility. And we hope that before the May 5 hearing, Pope Francis will step in and stop his staff from making this cynical claim.
IL- Archdiocese puts accused priest back on the job, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, Founder and President of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
We are disappointed and surprised that Cardinal Francis George is putting Fr. Michael W. O’Connell back on the job despite an accusation that he sexually assaulted a boy in 1990.
TN- Young victim speak out about abuse, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
A 14 year old Tennessee girl spoke up and reported her abuse by a former religious leader. We are grateful to this brave girl for having the courage to speak up and help protect other children.
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