Sex abuse in Catholic Church cases recently made New York news when a Westchester priest was charged with sexual abuse.

Rev. Thomas Kreiser was recently indicted by a Westchester County grand jury for the sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl. The girl was reportedly abused by Kreiser while he served at St. Joseph Parish in Bronxville, N.Y.

The grand jury charged the former priest with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to Daily Voice.

The abuse reportedly occurred while Kreiser was an employee of the Archdiocese of New York and was stationed at the church and elementary school of St. Joseph Parish. As part of his duties, Kreiser reportedly visited the elementary school in the middle of the day, where he allegedly touched the young girl intimately.

The Archdiocese of New York reportedly removed Kreiser from the parish. The Archdiocese also released a statement when the allegations first went public, affirming their stance on sex abuse in Catholic Church settings.

“We take all allegations of abuse seriously, and as is our policy, immediately turned the allegation over to the Westchester DA. The Archdiocese and the parish (are) fully cooperating with the DA in its investigation. The protection of our children and young people is our highest priority,” said Joseph Zwilling, director of communications for the New York Archdiocese.

In January, victims of sex abuse in Catholic church settings won a victory when the New York legislature passed the Child Victims Act. The law revises the statutes of limitations that previously prevented child sex abuse victims from bringing legal claims against their abusers. Also included in the Child Victims Act is a one year “look back window” during which individuals who were formerly prevented from suing will be allowed to bring their claims.

“Passage of the Child Victims Act is an exhilarating and empowering moment for those of us who have been waging this battle in Albany for a dozen years,” said Stephen Jimenez, a sex abuse survivor and advocate, according to NBC News.

In February, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn released the names of over 100 priests who were credibly accused of sexual abuse of a child. The diocese is one of the largest in the nation, making the massive release of names a historic occasion.

“We know this list will generate many emotions for victims who have suffered terribly,” the Most Rev. Nicholas DiMarzio, the bishop of Brooklyn, according to the New York Times.

“For their suffering, I am truly sorry. I have met with many victims who have told me that more than anything, they want an acknowledgment of what was done to them. This list gives that recognition and I hope it will add another layer of healing for them on their journey toward wholeness.”

With similar laws and movements starting in other areas of the country, such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey, victims of sexual abuse at the hands of priests may finally gain closure along with the legal ability to hold their abusers accountable.

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