In 2019, the Brooklyn Diocese named more than 100 Catholic church clergy members accused of sexual abuse in the Catholic church sexual abuse scandal, including priests, bishops, and deacons.

The Brooklyn Diocese stated that the more than 100 clergy members named were credibly accused by their victims. Church officials clarified that accusations were considered to be credible if the clergy member in question confessed, had been criminally convicted, or the allegations were substantiated by the Independent Diocesan Review Board, according to the New York Post.

However, two-thirds of the Catholic clergy members named on the list are deceased. Many of them have been dead for decades.

Despite the inability to hold those clergy members accountable for their actions, Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio is hopeful that victims will be able to find healing through the church’s acknowledgement of these crimes.

“I have met with many victims who have told me that more than anything, they want an acknowledgement of what was done to them,” DiMarzio said in a statement. “This list gives that recognition, and I hope it will add another layer of healing for them on their journey toward wholeness.”

The Diocese took several steps to address this systemic issue, according to a letter released by Bishop DiMarzio regarding the Catholic church sexual abuse scandal. Bishop DiMarzio states that as one of his first initiatives as a bishop, he established a toll-free reporting line in 2004 to allow victims of Catholic clergy, church employees, and parish volunteers to report abuses. While the Catholic church has made some effort to introduce sexual abuse prevention programs, these measures are inadequate, according to child advocacy think tank CHILD USA.

In 2017, the Brooklyn Diocese also instituted the Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program (IRCP) to find and connect with as many victims of the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal as possible.

New York Child Victims Act

The statement by the diocese follows the implementation of a new law concerning the statute of limitations on sexual assault cases in New York. Prompted in part by the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal, the Child Victims Act extends the amount of time allotted to New York survivors of sexual assault to prosecute their abusers.

Passed by the New York Senate on Jan. 28, 2019, the new law expands the age limit for filing suits from 23 to 55 for victims of childhood abuse. The law also allows for a look-back window during which victims whose claims have previously expired are able to file charges against their abusers.

Filing a Catholic sexual abuse lawsuit

New York is one of several states to have recently made changes to their sexual abuse laws. Under new laws like expansions to statutes of limitations and look-back windows, more survivors have time to come forward with their own allegations of abuse.

If you or a loved one has been victimized by a clergy member, deacon, or priest of the Catholic church, you may be eligible to join a Catholic church sexual abuse scandal lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation and justice for your experiences.

Filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering you experienced, but it can at least help to provide some financial compensation, as well as hold individuals and organizations responsible accountable for their actions and inactions.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.