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).
NJ- Statement by Mark Crawford of SNAP
Punish Archbishop Myers. That's what Catholic officials must do now.
NJ- Letters to Mr. Notzon and Cardinal Dolan: A call for action against Newark Archbishop John Myers
May 1, 2013
Mr. Al Notzon III
National Review Board
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street
Washington, DC 20017
Dear Mr. Notzon:
We are child sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org). Our mission is to protect the vulnerable and heal the wounded.
NM- Victims blast New Mexico Catholic officials on abuse
What a cold response by New Mexico Catholic officials to the latest heinous child sex abuse reports involving a predator priest: “We do not comment on pending litigation.” Can you imagine Jesus uttering such a callous sentence?
NJ- SNAP blasts Newark Archbishop
Archbishop Myers continues to show his contempt for New Jersey’s kids and laws. Now, the burden falls to his bosses, his peers and his flock.
IL- A Letter to Cardinal George
Dear Cardinal George:
There are at least 112 publicly accused Chicago archdiocesan priests. A few are behind bars, some are deceased, but where are the rest?
IL- SNAP blasts Joliet bishop over unsupervised predator
Shame on Joliet’s Catholic bishop for letting a suspended predator priest live and work freely among unsuspecting families in Kentucky.
IL-Child sex abuse reform bill passes IL Senate
In a huge victory for innocent kids and a huge defeat for child molesters, the Illinois Senate today passed a bill permanently lifting the civil statute of limitations on child sex crimes. (SB 1399, sponsored by Sen. Link and others)
INTL- Video game mocks clergy abuse scandal, SNAP responds
Some will do anything - no matter how hurtful - to make money. Shame on this video company. Heinous child sex crimes and cover ups, by Catholic officials or anyone, is no joking matter.
CT- Former priest’s trial delayed for the 21st time, SNAP responds
It’s outrageous that a Connecticut priest, who is accused possessing child pornography is delaying justice and exploiting technicalities. Is it any wonder that few victims of sexual violence and exploitation feel good about our justice system?
MO-Priest is 9th local cleric accused of child porn; SNAP responds
In 2011, when he was suspended, Archbishop Robert Carlson’s public relations team said Fr. William Vatterott was accused of “inappropriate electronic communications.” Now, Fr. Vatterrott has been charged with child porn.
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