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).
Rome- Vatican blesses bishops' plan to NOT report child abuse
For immediate release: Friday, March 28
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
With the blessing of the Vatican, Italy's bishops have formally declared they have no duty to call police if they suspect that a child is being sodomized or raped.
National- Bishops praise themselves on child sex abuse again, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, outreach director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
We have three objections to these new claims by US bishops.
NE- Diocese refuses to participate in church abuse program
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
A Catholic panel has released a report on whether and how bishops are abiding by the vague, weak and virtually never enforced "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People."
Ireland- Church watchdog group omitted information, victims respond
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected])
A group hired to investigate the Irish Catholic church's child safety policy has been accused of omitting key information. If it is true and they omitted information and are denying it, we are deeply disappointed and concerned.
MO- 2 KC Catholic teachers fired in “odd” case
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
No one should be satisfied with the firing of two credibly accused child molesting KC Catholic school teachers. This is a disturbing case of continued irresponsible behavior by church officials with many unanswered questions.
PA- Catholic bishop dodges victims group's requests
For immediate release: Friday, March 28, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Scranton's Catholic bishop has responded to our recent letter by ignoring three of our four concerns, but pledging to write the Pope about a predator priest. (A copy of the letter is below.)
TN- Convicted predator priest appeals
For immediate release: Thursday, March 27
For more information: David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected])
A convicted predator priest is revictimizing his victims and delaying justice by appealing his conviction to the TN Supreme Court.
OH- 25 years late, Vatican defrocks OH predator priest
For immediate release: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 862 7688 home, 314 503 0003 cell, [email protected])
Many Catholic officials claim Vatican officials have sped up defrocking pedophile priests. Really? Then how to explain that just today, we're told that Fr. George F. Bailey has been kicked out of the priesthood that left almost 25 years ago?
MN- Archdiocese allowed more time to file abuse records, victims respond
For immediate release: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
Twin Cities archdiocese has been granted more time to produce thousands of pages of sexual abuse records. We are disappointed that the archdiocese has been allowed to delay.
SC- BJU should investigate charges re Rev. Gothard
For immediate release: Thursday, March 27, 2014
Statement by Cathy Winterfield of SNAP (704-207-1300 [email protected])
We are child sex abuse victims who belong to an independent support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. We are here to help protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded and expose the truth.
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