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).
IRELAND- European court rules for Irish child sex abuse victim
For immediate release: Tuesday, Jan. 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])
We applaud the European Court of Human Rights for siding with an Irish woman who was sexually abused as a youngster by her school principal. The Irish state, the court ruled, failed to protect her.
PA--Philly DA appeals priest case to PA Supreme Court
For immediate release: Tuesday, Jan. 28
Statement by Karen Polesir of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (267-992-9463, [email protected])
We are grateful that Philadelphia prosecutors are following through with their work to protect kids by trying to get Msgr. William Lynn back behind bars.
Yesterday, the DA's office formally asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear its appeal of the Superior Court's reversal of Msgr. Lynn's conviction. We hope the justices respond favorably and put the physical safety of vulnerable kids and the emotional well-being of wounded adult ahead of one wrongdoer's freedom.
TN- Pedophile priest conviction upheld
For immediate release: Tuesday, Jan. 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])
We are grateful that a three judge panel has upheld the conviction of a predator priest. Fr. William C. Casey should remain behind bars. And his former Catholic officials should take aggressive steps to find, and help, his other victims.
NY--Accused New York priest passes away
For immediate release: Tuesday, January 28, 2014
For more information, please contact SNAP Director David Clohessy of St. Louis, (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected]
Accused New York priest passes away
He molested young seminarians & worked in Goshen
After his victims came forward, cleric was sent to Rome
He was subject of newspaper investigation on "runaway priests"
Victims blast Cardinal Dolan & religious order for “continuing secrecy”
A support group for clergy sex abuse victims is disclosing that a New York Catholic priest who was accused of molesting children has passed away. Investigative reporters discovered Mataconis "in hiding" in Rome.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spe/2004/runawaypriests/
Chile-- Victims blast Catholic Archbishop of Santiago Ricardo Ezzati, one of the newly appointed cardinals by Pope Francis
For immediate release Monday, January 27
Contact: David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected]) Juan Carlos Cruz, [email protected]
Victims blast Catholic Archbishop of Santiago Ricardo Ezzati, one of the newly appointed cardinals by Pope Francis
They criticize his "self-serving" plea
He claims those molested should "look forward and trust the Church”
They counter: "But kids are still being abused now and mostly the Chilean hierarchy continues to cover up and hide, protecting themselves and their own and have complete disregard for survivors"
And cover ups continue too, support group maintains
MA--Victims blast MA Church officials over predator priest
For immediate release: Monday, Jan. 27
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 troubling that Worcester Catholics seem to be the last to be told about credible child sex abuse allegations against a local priest.
Catholic officials admit they've already told police and Vatican officials about accusations against Fr. Edward P. Lettic. But only yesterday did they tell parishioners at his Lancaster parish.
MN--Crookston diocese discloses predator names
For immediate release: Monday, Jan. 27
Statement by David Clohessy of St. Louis, Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (314 566 9790, [email protected])
Crookston Catholic officials made a shrewd move on Friday when they released a list of child molesting clerics.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/content/crookston-diocese-releases-list-accused-priests
We storngly suspect it's an incomplete list. And we stronlgly suspete that Catholic officials took this step because they feared that a judge would soon order them to do so.
IL--School abuse case settles out of court
For immediate release: Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2013
For more information: David Clohessy of St. Louis, SNAP Director (314) 566-9790 cell, [email protected], Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, 314 503 0003, [email protected]
School abuse case settles out of court
It involves child sex case against teacher & others
Young woman who was repeatedly violated to get $100,000
Support group commends victim for having courage to come forward
A civil child sex abuse and cover up lawsuit involving a southern Illinois teacher and school district has settled out of court for an undisclosed sum.
http://metropolisplanet.com/bookmark/24432027/article-Unit-One-settles-sexual-abuse-lawsuit.
CT- Prosecutors should investigate scandal-ridden Catholic group
Statement by David Clohessy, SNAP Executive Director
Today, a national Catholic newspaper is calling for police and prosecutors to investigate the scandal-ridden Legion of Christ which operates in Connecticut and across the world.
We agree.
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/editorial-legions-record-calls-criminal-investigation
Canada- Orthodox archbishop guilty of abuse
For immediate release Friday, January 24, 2014
Statement by Melanie Jula Sakoda of Moraga, CA, Orthodox Director for SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (925-708-6175 cell, [email protected])
We are extremely grateful that Archbishop Seraphim Storheim has been found guilty of child sex abuse today. We also understand how difficult it is to accuse a respected man of the cloth, so we would like to thank the two men who courageously testified about what they had suffered. Without their bravery, this conviction would not have been possible and kids would still be at risk.
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