Sage Datko  |  August 26, 2019

Category: Legal News

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A priest gives communion at mass.Earlier this year, New York joined more than a dozen other states who have recently expanded their statutes of limitations for victims of childhood sexual assault. Under the recently expanded laws and one year look-back window, thousands of lawsuits are expected to be filed by victims of alleged abusers affiliated with the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and other organizations.

Victims Come Forward With Their Stories

One victim who spoke to The New York Times earlier this month claims that it took him years to fully recognize the abuse he had been subjected to. According to Charlie D., it has taken him decades to come to the realization that he had been abused by one of his priests as a young boy.

When he returned to his Catholic school last year for a reunion, an encounter with one of the nuns from his childhood led him to reconsider the relationship he had had with his priest. Despite this realization, when Charlie decided to pursue justice, he was shocked to find that he was unable to sue his abuser due to New York’s statute of limitations for abuse cases. However, under a new law passed earlier this year, Charlie and other victims will be able to file clergy abuse cases that had previously expired.

Number of Catholic Clergy Abuse Cases Expected to Rise

Under New York’s previous laws, victims of childhood abuse were required to file their clergy abuse cases before their 23rd birthday. However, with the passage of the Child Victims Act in early 2019, accusers will be able to file their cases until they are 55. Additionally, the law instituted a one year look-back period for victims whose cases had previously expired. During this look-back window, victims who are older than 55 or whose cases have expired due to other factors will have one year during which they may file a lawsuit against their alleged abuser.

This one year window opened on August 14, 2019. Prior to this, accountability could hopefully be found in lists of accused priests had been published by New York and New Jersey and number in the hundreds. The Catholic Church in these regions started funds for the abused.

With the look-back window, an influx of sexual abuse cases is expected.

Previous states, including California, have instituted look-back windows for victims. California’s look-back window resulted in the San Diego Catholic Diocese filing for bankruptcy due to the massive numbers of clergy abuse cases filed against the Diocese.

Multiple States Update Outdated Sexual Abuse Laws

The change to New York’s statute of limitations laws comes after more than a decade of lobbying for change by victims and their advocates. The state’s previous laws were some of the strictest in the country.

In addition to New York’s new laws, 18 other states and the District of Columbia also updated their sexual abuse statute of limitation laws recently. Under these new laws, victims may be able to file lawsuits against their abusers, and any private or public organizations that covered up the alleged abuse. Many victims have filed lawsuits against clergy members, Boy Scouts of America troop leaders or volunteers, coaches, doctors, teachers, and other adults who used their positions to abuse children.

New York victims who suffered abuse at the hands of Catholic Church clergy members may now be able to file their clergy abuse cases during the one year look-back window. Victims who file lawsuits may be able to recover financial compensation and damages for their experiences and suffering.

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If you or a loved one were sexually abused by a Catholic priest or another church leader, legal help is available.Fill out the FREE form on this page for more information.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

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