SNAP Connecticut
The Survivors' Network of those Abused by Priests
Support, Advocacy, and Accountability

The Hopeville Fire Department
by Tony Lembo
A boy's story of betrayal
by one of New England's
most notorious priests

SNAP's National Web site: http://www.SNAPnetwork.org SNAP’s MISSION: SNAP's healing model - that both survivors and the institution that hurt them must be healed - focuses on helping individuals and changing the church that allowed the abuse. We have a three-fold purpose: SELF HELP: By sharing our stories, we recognize that we are not alone, and we are not guilty for what happened to us. Gradually coming to a full knowledge of this empowers us to confront the truth, and to find healthy mechanisms for healing. EDUCATION: We work together to educate ourselves and our communities about the effects of the abuse. PREVENTION: Once we learn the truth about what has happened to us, we can then use that power to bring about change. When we put our voices together, we become so strong that we can no longer not be heard. FULL MISSION STATEMENT

SNAP meetings are currently held on the second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 - 9:00

For locations, directions, information, or questions: Contact Us

"The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don't do anything about it." - Albert Einstein

Telephone Hotlines for Crisis Assistance

If you are having thoughts about suicide, call 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433) or 9-1-1. To find other sources of assistance with personal crisis, Call Infoline by dialing 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut. You will speak to a caseworker who can help make it easier for you to find information, discover options or deal with a crisis.

Connecticut's Statute of Limitations
for Sexual Assault of a Minor

Connecticut has one of the most liberal statute of limitations for minor victims of sexual asault. Connecticut law provides that a person has thirty years after they have reached the age of majority to file a claim for injuries sustained as a result of sexual abuse when they were a minor.

CT Civil Liberties Union Foundation

Full text of Public Act No. 02-138

Press Releases

ABUSE VICTIMS SUPPORT TEENAGE VICTIM OF PRIEST RAPE
Appear at Sentencing for Vigil
Criticize Archbishop for Abandoning Church Policy, Christian Principles
February 17, 2005

Statement Regarding Bridgeport, CT. Settlement Agreement
We hope that this settlement will help this wounded person
take one step further toward healing and closure.
January 18, 2005

SNAP Calls Attorney's Comments Insensitive to Victims
Victims Group Wants Archdiocesan "Due Diligence" Policy Continued
Protection of Children Most Important Consideration
December 10, 2004

Sex Abuse Victims Blast Catholic School
Ex- Nun Facing Molestation Lawsuit in CT Is Honored
She Faces Civil Lawsuit For Assaulting Hamden Girl
In Sharply Worded Letter, SNAP Criticizes Principal
November 24, 2004

SNAP CT is extremely disappointed in the election of
Spokane, WA Bishop William S. Skylstad to
President of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops
November 15, 2004

Sex Abuse Group Worries About Plea Deal
Accused Polish Priest Gets Offer from DA
September 30, 2004

Sex Abuse Victims Want To Speak To Nuns’ Group
Support Group Rejected by National Sisters’ Organization
Local Woman Who Was Molested Plans To Go Anyway
August 16, 2004

Victims group questions Bishop's communion policies
Statement by Landa Mauriello-Vernon, SNAP CT State Director
June 28, 2004

SNAP's Letter to Bishop Gregory
June 24, 2004

Two Groups Call on Bishops To Open Up Sex Abuse Meeting In Two Weeks
Organizations Believe that Backsliding Must Stop
May 31, 2004

SNAP's Statement On Cardinal Law's New Position
May 28, 2004

CT Victims group responds to Archbishop Henry Mansell's letter to Bishop Gregory,
President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
May 12, 2004

Contacting SNAP Connecticut