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).
CA- SNAP commends police on quick and decisive action
For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 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])
We commend the Ceres police for their quick and decisive action in the recently revealed case of a local youth minister who was found to have child pornography on his computer.
MD- Victims applaud arrest of church deacon
For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Statement by Becky Ianni of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (703-801-6044, [email protected])
A Maryland man who is a church deacon has been arrested for the sexual abuse of a teenage girl. We urge church officials to seek out other possible victims.
GA- Lawmakers may change child sex law
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Georgia lawmakers may lengthen the time child sex abuse victims can take legal actions against the adults who molested them. We hope this bill (H.B. 771) passes. It's not perfect but it will make kids safer.
Italy- Victims demand bishop’s resignation
For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790, [email protected])
An Italian bishop secretly defrocked an abusive priest and victims are now calling for his resignation. We support this call.
South Africa- Survivors group praises decisive action of law enforcement
For immediate release: Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-566-9790, [email protected])
Police in Pretoria acted decisively when they arrested a local priest for acting inappropriately with a child.
MO- SNAP urges caution on Catholic petition drive
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 18
Statement by Judy Jones of St. Louis, Assistant Midwest Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 974 5003, [email protected])
Missouri's Catholic bishops are trying to get more tax breaks through a petition-gathering drive about schools. Citizens should think long and hard before signing.
PA- “Healing is secondary,” victims say to Penn State president
For immediate release: Monday evening, Feb. 17, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of SNAP of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314-862-7688, [email protected])
Already there's talk of Penn State's new president wanting or helping to “heal” the university. That's misguided.
MN- Victims challenge Twin Cities bishops
For immediate release: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014
For more information:
David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Victims challenge Twin Cities bishops
They ousted predator priest 7-11 weeks ago
Despite promising “openness,” they told no one
He was publicly exposed yesterday for first time
And he still lives - apparently unsupervised – in the Twin Cities
Self help group blasts “continuing reckless & secrecy” of two bishops
PA- New Penn State president wants to go slow on Paterno; SNAP responds
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 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])
It's politically smart for the new Penn State university president to beg for patience in dealing with the legacy of Joe Paterno.
NJ- Another Catholic bishop spends a fortune on his home
For immediate release: Monday, Feb. 17
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Shame on Archbishop John Myers. Despite claims that he's imitating Christ, Myers is spending an exorbitant amount for his own comfort, status and worldly prestige.
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