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).
Poland- SNAP applauds Polish Catholic Church for creating child sex abuse procedure
For immediate release: Thursday, February 13, 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 are encouraged that the Catholic Church in Poland is publishing procedures for child sex abuse. This is a good first step that many churches across the globe have already enacted.
MN- Victims respond to St. Paul Catholic $$$ disclosure
For immediate release Thursday, February 13, 2014
Statement by Frank Meuers of Plymouth MN, leader of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (952-334-5180, [email protected])
The Archdiocese of Minneapolis admits to having spent $8.8 million over the past decade on costs related to clergy misconduct. We suspect this is misleading. We suspect the real figure is significantly higher.
TX- Ex-pastor gets jail for “sexting” teen, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Thursday, February 13, 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 Garland, TX youth pastor was sentenced on Wednesday for sending lewd text messages and photos to a teenage girl.
SD- SNAP applauds new abuse task force
For immediate release: Wednesday, February 12, 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 South Dakota senate committee approved of a new child sex abuse task force. We are glad that this first step has been taken to make South Dakota children safer and we encourage legislatures to not stop there.
WI- Victims say bankruptcy plan is “breath-takingly selfish”
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
The Milwaukee archdiocesan Chapter 11 maneuver today is breath-taking in its callousness, selfishness and arrogance.
IA- Youth pastor pleads guilty in sexual abuse charge, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 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 former youth pastor from Des Moines has entered a guilty plea under charges that he sexually molested 2 teenage girls. Now, officials at Heritage Assembly of God church must mount a serious outreach effort to find others he may have hurt.
OH- Judge puts predator in prison
For immediate release Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Priest who worked in Ohio goes to prison for abuse
Over nearly half century, he was transferred 30 times
Group urges Catholic officials in ten dioceses to “reach out to other victims”
SC- Victims blast Bob Jones University for decision
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 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 Christian university has fired a group it hired to investigate campus sexual abuse reports.
CA- Two sexual abuse cases settled in CA diocese, SNAP responds
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 12 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])
Two of three child sex abuse and cover up lawsuits against the San Bernardino Diocese have been settled for $3.8 million. The third case is still going through the trial process.
MN- Civil lawyers can question McDonough but police can't? SNAP comments
For immediate release: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
We're glad two top Catholic officials will be deposed about clergy sex crimes and cover ups. But there's something wrong when police cannot question them but civil lawyers can.
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