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).
MN- Twin Cities church authorities attack victim's mom; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
St. Paul Catholic officials are basically defending their wrongdoing by blaming the mother of a child sex abuse victim. Shame on them.
Chile- Newly elevated cardinal allegedly hid child sexual abuse
For immediate release: Monday, February 24, 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 Chilean archbishop who is accused of hiding evidence of child sex crimes from civil authorities, was promoted to cardinal this past weekend. We are disappointed Pope Francis did this.
PA- Philly priest trial to start; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 24, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
As a trial begins against an accused Philly predator priest (Fr. Andrew McCormick), we remind citizens and Catholics that it's never too late to speak up with information or suspicions about known or alleged child sex crimes.
Canada- Priest acquitted on sex charges, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, February 24, 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])
An Ontario judge says he believes two women may have consented in a sexual misconduct charge against a former priest. The priest has been acquitted.
UK- Cardinal might be stripped of his title, victims respond
For immediate release: Monday, February 24, 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 Scottish cardinal may face a Vatican trial, in which he could lose his cardinal title. We think this is long overdue.
TX- Sex abuse case vs. TX priest settles
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 24, 2014
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Sex abuse case vs. TX priest settles
Pedophile priest worked in Beaumont & Wash. State
A child sex abuse lawsuit against a Catholic priest who worked in Beaumont and may still live in Texas has been settled.
PA- Chaput kept child sex allegations secret for months
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 24, 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])
Pay close attention to the chronology of Fr. John P. Paul, whose status as a credibly accused child molester was finally disclosed last weekend.
MO- More predator priest settlements in KC
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 21
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Two more cases have settled against Kansas City's Catholic diocese because several top church officials ignored and concealed heinous crimes by a priest, Fr. Shawn Ratigan.
We are glad that Ratigan individually has been assessed a penalty, though we doubt he'll ever have to pay it. And we are grateful every time a victim of a predator priest finds the courage to step forward, the wisdom to take legal action, the persistence to endure bishops' delay, and wins any measure of justice.
TX- El Paso priest charged with sex offense, Victims react
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 21, 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 retired Catholic priest who lives in El Paso and has worked at St. Raphael's parish in El Paso has been charged with criminal sexual contact.
NJ- Paterson priest charged on sex crimes; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Friday, Feb. 21, 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 retired New Jersey priest has been charged with criminal sexual contact.
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