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).
US Bishops to review progress made regarding clergy abuse in past decade: SNAP responds
We’re here today to urge America's Catholic bishops - who are meeting now in Atlanta - to totally scrap and revamp their ten year old child sex abuse policy. We’re asking them to commit to an inclusive, one year planning process with public hearings and "real input," and reform and broaden this policy. And we are prodding them to adopt a key, missing component - tough penalties for church officials who ignore, conceal and enable child sex crimes.
Victims ask US bishops to censure CA colleague
Clergy sex abuse victims are urging America’s Catholic bishops to denounce San Diego's top church official for restoring a priest to ministry barely a month after he pled guilty to molesting a teenage parishioner.
"Blast Owensboro diocese's recklessness" SNAP begs bishops
Clergy sex abuse victims are urging America’s Catholic bishops to denounce Owensboro church officials for keeping quiet for 18 years about an allegation against a priest who now faces criminal child sex abuse charges.
Victims urge DAs to charge ex-Penn State president and others
Newly disclosed emails from 2001 appear to show that then-Penn State President Graham Spanier choose to keep child sex abuse allegations against Jerry Sandusky secret.
Victims blast Owensboro Catholic officials for secrecy
It’s pretty clear that Owensboro Catholic officials have endangered kids – and broken the church’s abuse policy - for years, by hiding at least one credible child sex abuse allegation against a priest from parishioners and the public.
Priest arrested on child sex charges, SNAP responds
We are grateful that a victim of Rev. Louis Francis Piskula has stepped forward and is cooperating with law enforcement. When victims stay silent, nothing changes. But when victims find the courage to take action, there's at least a chance for prevention, healing and justice.
Victims praise KY lawmaker who discloses his abuse by priest
We applaud Rep. Burch for his courage. It's always tough to disclose horrific childhood trauma, especially at the hands of a trusted clergyman.
Pastor fired after arrest: SNAP responds
We applaud Texas law enforcement for taking charges of sexual abuse seriously. And while we are glad that the Cowboy Church of Marshal County has fired Mark Allen green after his arrest we feel that step is the bare minimum.
Philly jury is off until next week, SNAP responds
Our hearts ache for the dozens of courageous victims, witnesses and whistleblowers who have exposed wrongdoing, protected kids and helped law enforcement and who are anxiously waiting for a verdict in this historic trial. No matter what happens, their bravery has not been in vain. They deserve closure and justice and we hope they’ll get both soon.
A NY bishop releases predators' names--Dolan should do the same
We welcome the Rochester Catholic bishop's new move to protect children by releasing a list of predator priests. And we call on NYC's Cardinal Timothy Dolan to stop stonewalling and do likewise.
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