A survivor of abuse is taking legal action against the Rochester Catholic Church over allegations of sexual abuse from decades ago.

The lawsuit reportedly revolves around Reverend Francis Vogt, who has reportedly been accused of sexual abuse before, while being the brother of Monsignor Joseph Vogt.

Several other significant religious organizations related to the Rochester Catholic Church were named as defendants including the Catholic Youth Organization of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, and Most Holy Redeemer Parish.

Overview of Catholic Church Sex Abuse Allegations

These organizations are important because Reverend Vogt allegedly utilized his position and these locations to victimize the claimant.

According to the claim, the abuse took place in 1969 when the victim was five years old and was taken by Reverend Vogt to the Catholic Charities Catholic Youth Organization facility to swim. For over the next two years, the lawsuit alleged Reverend Vogt would sexually assault the victim at the facility and the victim’s home.

Reverand Vogt has since died, with the Rochester Catholic Church removing him from ministry and posted his name to the Diocesan website, along with the names of 22 other priests who were the subject of similar reports.

The victim alleges the defendants “had a duty not to aid pedophiles such as [Rev.] Vogt by assigning, maintaining, and/or appointing them to positions with access to minors.”

Lawsuit Filed Under New York Child Victims Act

This lawsuit is the first claim filed under the new Child Victims Act, which allows victims of childhood sex abuse in New York to file legal action. New York lawmakers passed the Child Victims Act on Jan. 28, 2019, relaxing deadlines that have historically barred many victims of child sex abuse from suing their assailants.

Under this new law, New York sex abuse survivors have until age 28 to bring criminal damages against alleged perpetrators, with the previous cut off age being 23. Furthermore, victims also have until the age of 55 to seek monetary damages.

Another significant feature of the act, a one year “lookback window” will allow for previous sex abuse claims that could not be previously pursued due to the statute of limitations. While the lookback window does not open until August 2019, the plaintiff’s lawyer had decided to file legal action early to ensure their client’s voice is heard.

Childhood sex abuse is one of the most traumatic incidents that can happen in a person’s life. It can result in lifelong issues with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and many other complications.

Reports of sex abuse within the Catholic Church have become a prominent issue in the United States, with one report from the Nature and Scope of Sexual Abuse of Minors finding 4,392 church officials were accused of childhood sex abuse. This reportedly represented four percent of Church officials who were active in the ministry at the time.

There are reportedly other credible claims pending against Reverend Vogt.

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