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).
FL - Archbishop owes flock an explanation for sudden reversal
We are grateful that Fr. Garcia has been suspended. We are appalled that it has taken years. Wenski owes his flock and explanation and St. Agatha parishioners an apology.
US - Scouts abuse scandal-where’s the action?
It's been a week since BSA abuse and cover up files were released. It's been more than a week since BSA officials pledged to "notify law enforcement of any allegations that have not already been disclosed."
OK - Embattled church hires big PR firm
Embattled officials with Victory Christ Church in Tulsa, OK have hired one of Oklahoma's largest public relations firm to help it manage allegations that it covered up the rape of a 13-year-old girl on its campus.
MD- Ex-Maryland priest charged; SNAP responds
A former Maryland Catholic priest and registered sex offender, now living in Illinois, has been accused of practicing psychology without a license. He also faces charges that he failed to register as a sex offender, as required by law.
IL- Peoria area ex-priest charged; SNAP responds
A former Catholic priest and registered sex offender, now living in the Peoria diocese, has been accused of practicing psychology without a license. He also faces charges that he failed to register as a sex offender, as required by law.
CA - Eagle Scout and Assistant Scout Master to be Arraigned for Child Abuse
A Northern California Boy Scout leader will be arraigned tomorrow on charges that he sexually abused two Scouts.
CA - Psychologist is sued for abuse
A new civil lawsuit charges that a Capitola psychologist performed lewd acts with an eight year old girl under his care.
MO - Two cases settle in Kansas City, SNAP responds
We suspect these cases have settled for the same reasons Catholic officials settle clergy sex abuse cases - because they want to keep their complicity hidden.
MO - Priest pleads not guilty
A Catholic priest who’s from here and living back here now pled not guilty yesterday to charges that he molested a Colorado boy last year.
IL- Boy Scout Officials forced to release “perversion files”; reveals hundreds of scout officials accused of child abuse in Illinois
When the Boy Scouts’ “perversion files” were court ordered to be released yesterday, thousands of cases of child abuse and cover-ups were made public. In Illinois alone, roughly 283 Boy Scout officials are accused of abuse.
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