The Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests (SNAP) is a non-profit organization that provides support and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church. Founded in 1988, SNAP has been at the forefront of the fight for justice and healing for survivors and their families. Its mission is to empower survivors, expose abuse, and hold the Catholic Church accountable for its actions.
SNAP was founded by Barbara Blaine, a survivor of clergy abuse, who recognized the need for a support network for survivors to share their stories and find solace in one another. Initially, SNAP’s mission focused on providing support groups and resources for survivors to heal from their trauma. However, as the organization grew, so did its mission. SNAP began to advocate for legislative change to protect children from abuse and to hold the Catholic Church accountable for its role in covering up abuse cases.
According to statistics, there have been thousands of reported cases of abuse by priests over the past few decades. These numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many survivors are hesitant to come forward due to fear, shame, and the stigma associated with abuse.
Survivors of clergy abuse face numerous challenges when seeking justice. One of the biggest obstacles is the stigma surrounding abuse, particularly within religious communities. Many survivors fear being ostracized or not believed if they come forward with their stories. This fear can prevent them from seeking the support they desperately need.
Survivors often face legal barriers when seeking justice. Statutes of limitations can prevent survivors from filing lawsuits against their abusers, as many states have strict time limits for bringing forward such cases. This can leave survivors feeling as though they have no recourse for justice and can hinder their healing process.
SNAP has been instrumental in providing support and resources for survivors of clergy abuse. The organization offers support groups where survivors can connect with others who have had similar experiences, providing a safe space for them to share their stories and find solace. SNAP also provides resources such as therapy referrals, legal assistance, and educational materials to help survivors navigate the healing process.
In addition to its support services, SNAP is actively involved in advocating for legislative change to protect children from abuse and hold the Catholic Church accountable. The organization lobbies for reforms that would eliminate or extend statutes of limitations, allowing survivors more time to come forward and seek justice.
One of SNAP’s primary goals is to hold the Catholic Church accountable for its role in covering up abuse cases and protecting abusive priests. The organization has been instrumental in exposing abuse and cover-ups within the Church, working closely with journalists and law enforcement agencies to bring these issues to light.
SNAP’s collaboration with journalists has raised public awareness about the extent of clergy abuse within the Catholic Church. Through media coverage, survivors’ stories have been shared, shedding light on the systemic nature of abuse and the Church’s failure to address it adequately. This collaboration has helped to break the silence surrounding abuse and has put pressure on the Church to take action.
SNAP recognizes the importance of collaboration and has formed partnerships with other survivor advocacy groups to amplify their collective voices. By working together, these organizations can advocate for legislative change, support survivors, and raise awareness about the prevalence of abuse within religious institutions.
In terms of holding the Catholic Church accountable, SNAP’s efforts have been instrumental in exposing abuse and pushing for change within the institution. Through its collaboration with journalists and law enforcement agencies, SNAP has helped bring about a greater level of transparency within the Church. This increased scrutiny has forced the Church to acknowledge its failures and take steps towards preventing future abuse.