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 - Victims testify to lawmakers
The NJ Senate Judiciary Committee will meet this morning in Trenton to hear testimony and consider a bill to make it easier for child sex abuse victims to take legal action against predators.
PA - Lawmakers may move sex abuse bill; SNAP responds
We applaud Pennsylvania lawmakers who are pushing a discharge petition so that a crucial bill to help expose child predators can move forward.
Rome- Pope talks "platitudes" on abuse; SNAP responds
Again, the pope alludes only to pedophile priests, not corrupt bishops.
NE - National Catholic official to push Lincoln's bishop on abuse
A Catholic official is promising to visit Lincoln Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz and push him to comply with the church's national abuse policy, which Bruskewitz has "consistently broken for a decade," a victims group says.
PA - Predator priest arrested, SNAP urges Scranton bishop to do outreach
It is ironic that while America's bishops pat themselves on the back for their alleged clergey sex reforms, another arrest of a priest for serial sexual abuse hits the news. We hope that as the bishops leave Atlanta and return to their home dioceses, they see this story as a sobering reminder of how far church officials really do have to go.
IN- Judge rules against Indy archbishop in child sex case
A Terre Haute judge has ruled that a clergy sex abuse and cover up case against the Indianapolis archdiocese’s most notorious predator priest can move forward. Victims are applauding the decision.
CA - Child sex abuse victim to get $27 million
Calling a jury decision “a watershed moment for children’s safety in the Jehovah’s Witnesses,” a self help group for men and women who were molested by denomination members is praising the child sex abuse victim who took her case to court this week in California.
MN- Second woman comes forward with allegations of abuse
A second woman has come forward with allegations of abuse by Rev. Joseph Jeyapaul. Jeyapaul was arrested in India earlier this year for the sexual abuse of a 15 year old Minnesota girl.
National- Bishops launch public relations drive; SNAP responds
America’s Catholic bishops, Reuters reports, are launching a major new public relations campaign.
OR- Scouts must turn over child sex records; SNAP responds
This is a huge victory for kids, victims, parents and law enforcement. We are grateful to the brave Scout victims whose courage and compassion have led to this impending disclosure.
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