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- Priest pleads no contest to sex charge, SNAP responds
We are glad that Fr. Cuevas’ victims will be spared the difficulty of a trial. And we hope that Fr. Cuevas will spend a long time behind bars so he won’t be able to hurt others.
CA - Predator priest jailed again, SNAP responds
We are grateful that Fr. Carlos Rodriguez is in custody again. We hope this news will bring some relief to Rodriguez' victims. And we hope it will push others who saw, suspected or suffered his crimes into stepping forward, calling police, exposing wrongdoing, and protecting kids
MO - SNAP presses for further action from outspoken KC priests
The New York Times reports that roughly half of the Kansas City diocese's priests have no confidence in Bishop Robert Finn. Sadly those sentiments, unless backed by action, won't change a thing.
Aus- Victims slam lawyers who want abuse inquiry slowed
Those who want to slow down an inquiry into child sex crimes and cover ups are wrong. They may be well-intentioned. But they are essentially - and callously - resigning dozens or perhaps hundreds of innocent children to devastated lives.
SA - SNAP applauds victims in Chile for coming forward
We applaud these three brave men for seeking justice and exposing wrongdoing. When child sex abuse victims sue because horrors have been committed and concealed, they help deter future horrors and cover ups.
Rome- Vatican disciplines dissident priest: SNAP responds
A tiny handful of priests are "dissidents." But the Vatican seems to discipline them often and harshly.
IL - SNAP challenges “redemption” notion for abuser
Put Mel Reynolds’ bid for public office aside for a minute. Focus instead on his alleged rationale: “redemption.” It’s wrong.
TX - Victims applaud move to seize cult's TX ranch
We applaud Texas authorities who are moving to seize the FLDS ranch where children were abused and may still be being abused. Some may consider this move excessive. We consider it prudent.
PA - Abuse panel recommendations made public, SNAP responds
We’re disappointed that this panel puts so much emphasis on mandatory reporting laws when there are better ways to stop child sex crimes.
NY- Columbia professor backs accused "Elmo" child molester & insults gays
A Columbia University professor is siding with a twice-accused child molester who is the voice for the character Elmo and is hurting gays and lesbians in the process.
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