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).
Catholic archbishop slashes therapy for abuse victim; SNAP responds
Once again, Catholic officials rub salt into the already-deep and still-fresh wounds of a person who was sexually assaulted by a priest during childhood. Shame on them.
Abuse victims’ group blasts Syracuse officials
It’s heartbreaking to read that a victim of a predatory Syracuse coach came forward to police and university officials years ago but nothing happened. It's the trifecta of betrayal - a predator who commits child sex crimes and an employer and a police department that seemingly do little or nothing to stop those crimes.
Fourth KC whistleblower speaks
We commend Larry Probst of Kansas City, who – until a few months ago – worked in the diocesan headquarters here (until he reported a co-worker’s alleged sexual misconduct and was let go). He recently spoke publicly for the first time, disclosing
--the “hostile work environment” and sexual harassment he suffered in there,
--the “offensive, sexually oriented material that was often open and obvious to any passer-by” in the diocese headquarters, and
--the response of church supervisors to his concerns (“indifference, defense, protection and resentment” and threats of “losing my job”.)
SNAP blasts Finn for picking "biased, bizarre shrink"
Finn clearly didn’t want an honest assessment of Fr. Ratigan’s sickness. He wanted legal and public relations ‘cover’ so he could put Fr. Ratigan around kids again.
What kind of therapist diagnoses an adult as “lonely” because he takes hundreds of pictures of little girls’ crotches? What kind of therapist blames a parochial school principal for that child predator’s problems? And what kind of bishop seeks out this therapist?
Paterno "sells" home. Victims say "no more honors for him"
The time to cut Joe Paterno any slack is now officially over. There’s only one plausible explanation for Paterno's transferring ownership of his home to his wife: protection of liability. The fact that he made this move mere months before he lost his job and was called out for his role in an abuse cover-up shows that Paterno knew a lot more about the Sandusky case than he’s let on thus far.
Richard Sipe responds to KC plea deal
This is a most disturbing trend: the fifth time a Catholic bishop has been left off the hook for behavior that the average citizen would be held accountable. This should not be tolerated.
SNAP to Jackson Co prosecutor: “Please slow down and don’t wimp out”
We are clergy sex abuse victims who belong to a support group called SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests. Our mission is to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable.
We have four messages today.
Victims pan plea deal with Kansas City bishop
Initially, Finn was the first bishop to face criminal charges for concealing suspected abuse. Then, he was the first bishop to undergo questioning by two grand juries. Now, he's become the first bishop to face criminal charges in two jurisdictions. And, he's now the first bishop to be charged with two separate child-safety related crimes: refusing to report suspected abuse in Jackson County and endangering the welfare of a child in Clay County.
SNAP to Adrian College - "It's like Penn State, only worse"
- Victims want professor fired
- “It’s like Penn State, only worse” they say
- Teacher admitted molesting two teenaged girls
- His former employer was forced to pay $1.6 million
- But he moved & now works at a small Michigan college
- SNAP “Predator remains around unsuspecting students & staff”
- Former Catholic staffer is also accused of impregnating girl & spreading STD
SNAP to new Penn State coach: "come clean"
We are glad that Penn State is acting prudently in regards to Mike McQueary’s safety. We wish they would have been equally prudent in looking out for the safety of vulnerable children.
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