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).
KY- Jury seated in priest sex abuse case, 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 child sex abuse case against a Louisville priest has finally started. We are glad that there have been no more delays and justice can begin.
MN- Victims blast MN archdiocesan abuse report
For immediate release: Monday, April 14
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-503-0003, [email protected])
Once again we have a very lengthy Catholic church report that claims 'mistakes' have been made and implying that some minor 'tweaks' in job titles and church policies will make abuse by clergy and cover ups by bishops a problem in the past. That is, of course, silly and deceptive.
SNAP & CCR file 2nd UN complaint vs. Vatican
For immediate release: Monday, April 14, 2014
Statement by Mary Caplan of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (917 439 4187, [email protected])
People are safest when power is checked. But roughly one billion people are involved in an institution in which power is basically unchecked. It's the Catholic Church. And its structure leaves their children vulnerable to those who would commit and conceal child sex crimes.
TX- Catholic records sought by victims' lawyer; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, April 14, 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 lawyer representing clergy sex abuse victims has filed a motion seeking records from the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi because of the crimes of Fr. Clement Hageman.
Netherlands- Dutch bishop molests kids
For immediate release: Friday, April 11
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 a controversial Dutch bishop sexually assaulted at least two boys. Our hearts ache for their victims. And we are outraged that church officials hid the bishop's crimes so long and describe them in such vague, self-serving ways, saying he “had violated the privacy of a former student grossly.
Vatican- It's wrong for pope to ask forgiveness, SNAP says
For immediate release: Friday, April 11, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Pope Francis says he felt “called to take upon himself” the subject of clergy sex crimes and cover ups. He should. He is the world's only global monarch and he continues to let this decades-old crisis fester and build by refusing to take even a single step that protects a single child or exposes a single wrongdoer.
Vatican- Pope seeks forgiveness: victims respond
For immediate release Friday, April 11, 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)
We beg the world’s Catholics: be impressed by deeds, not words. Until the Pope takes decisive action that protects kids be skeptical and vigilant.
MA- Students file FOIA request re Boston clergy sex settlement
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10
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)
Virginia law school students are filing a Freedom of Information Act request to find out details of clergy sex abuse and cover up settlement in the Boston Archdiocese. We applaud this move.
FL- Pastor found not guilty of child sex crimes
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10 2014
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 heartbreaking that despite child sex crime allegations by at least ten individuals, a jury has found Rev. Jeffery London not guilty.
France- Priest indicted for rape and torture, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, April 10, 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 French priest was indicted for raping and torturing multiple women at a private religious school. We are saddened by this revelation, but glad victims are speaking up and action is being taken.
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