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).
MO - Baptist church elder arrested in Springfield, SNAP responds
We are grateful to Springfield police and prosecutors for pursuing the case against Scott Blair with such vigor. These are heinous crimes, and children in Springfield are much safer with Blair off the streets.
CA - SNAP Letter to Los Angeles District Attorneys
Dear Mr. Birotte and Ms. Lacey;
We are members of a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAPnetwork.org). Our mission is to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded and expose the truth.
MO - Unnamed YMCA coach accused of child abuse
Some may question why we’re talking about a case publicly in which the victims don’t even remember the names of the abuser. But it’s important to remember two things.
MN - SNAP to church officials: how many more victims?
Minnesota Catholic officials - with the Franciscans and the St. Paul-Minneapolis archdiocese - made a secret settlement seven years ago with a clergy sex abuse victim and have stayed silent about the child molesting cleric even though more than 70 kids in three states now say he molested them.
EUR - Vatican sex crimes prosecutor calls for justice, SNAP responds
The Pope's top aide on clergy sex abuse, Fr. Robert Oliver, just told the AP that the pope "had spoken clearly about the need for transparency and justice in order to regain the trust of the faithful."
CA - SNAP calls for independent investigation into LAUSD
The LA school district needs to thoroughly and independently investigate the hiring of a pedophile priest, Jose Piña.
IRE - Apologies are inadequate for Magdalene victims
The response by the Irish government to the horrific stain on history that is the Magdalene Laundries is woefully inadequate. A mere apology cannot undo the painful abuse that these women for forced to suffer, and does nothing to help these women along their healing process.
NV - Pastor working in Las Vegas arrested for crimes in MD
Church officials in Las Vegas should immediately reach out to their congregation and see if any kids in their flock were abused by Nathaniel Morales.
MN - Serial predator cleric abused in MN
A serial predator cleric who is alleged to have abused at least 80 kids in Pennsylvania and Ohio also molested a boy in Minnesota in the late 1970’s.
CA - Victims blast ongoing LA Catholic secrecy
Los Angeles archdiocesan officials are being accused of defying a judge’s order and withholding records about clergy sex crimes and cover ups.
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