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).
SNAP blasts archdiocese for stifling police reports
It's alarming that Philly Catholic officials still want to interfere in criminal investigations by insisting that their defense lawyers be involved in every single conversation or e mail between church employees and law enforcement.
Victims blast Syracuse DA for disparaging 4th Bernie Fine accuser
Onondga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick is out of control. First, he disparages the third man who reports being abused by Bernie Fine. Then, he disparages the fourth man who reports being abused by Bernie Fine.
SNAP urges Jeff City Catholic officials to be open & take action about suspended priest
We don’t know precisely what Fr. Brendan Doyle has allegedly done. That’s because Jeff City’s Catholic bishop is being reckless and secretive.
Bishop Finn’s scheduled court appearance has been postponed.
This is good news. It is often hard for victims, witnesses and whistleblowers to step forward and it often takes a lot of time for them to gain the strength to speak up. Now, they have more time.
Letter to SNAP from a Whistleblower about Fr. Doyle
The links below will direct you to two pages of a letter that was sent to SNAP Outreach Director Barbara Dorris, explaining that the diocese is not being truthful when they claim that there had been no prior complaints about Fr. Brendan Doyle.
SNAP responds to financial compensation for Belgian victims
While no amount of money can restore the innocent shattered and make up for a childhood lost due to sexual violence, we are glad that this compensation fund is being furnished. However, survivors rarely want monetary compensation as a form of justice, but rather want to expose their perpetrator’s crimes as well as those who helped to conceal them, and want to prevent other children from suffering similar abuse.
Victims blast upcoming Catholic abuse report
We’re highly skeptical of reports about clergy sex crimes and cover ups commissioned by the very same bishops who ignored and concealed those crimes.
No one should describe or consider this upcoming report “independent” in any way.
SNAP responds arrest of Fr. George Ansel Smith
We are grateful for the investigators in the RCMP for their dedication for pursuing Fr. George Ansel Smith. We also applaud the brave victims that came forward to help put this predator behind bars.
Two groups seek action from bishop
- Two groups seek action from bishop
- "Seek out victims & witnesses,” they say
- Priest admits viewing child porn in church rectory
- Zubik should visit every parish where he worked, victims say
- They urge prelate to “stop asking people to call church authorities”
- Sex crimes must be reported to secular-not religious-officials, they say
SNAP blasts Bridgeport Diocese for handling of DeGraff
As has happened thousands of times in recent decades, a Catholic priest is accused of abuse, church officials keep the allegations secret, the cleric is moved elsewhere, no one is warned, and a child has apparently been sexually assaulted as a result.