The law changes the statute of limitations for prosecuting and filing civil suits against abusers—and the institutions that shield them
A SURVIVOR of child sexual abuse in New York state previously had until the age of 23 to file charges or a civil claim against his or her abuser. It takes time to reckon with such malevolence, and to feel comfortable talking about the abuse, never mind speaking to police or a lawyer. A third of child sex-abuse victims never disclose that they have been abused.
Thousands of New Yorkers are expected to sue their alleged abusers and the institutions that failed to protect them. James Marsh runs a small law firm that specialises in sexual-abuse cases. He has over 500 clients, most of them middle-aged or older. Other lawyers have even more. Mr Marsh filed at least 17 suits the first day the window opened. In anticipation of the onslaught of cases, New York’s courts have been staffing up. The suits will be handled by 45 designated, specially-trained judges.
The number of victims looks staggering. One pediatric endocrinologist at Rockefeller University Hospital spent decades allegedly abusing hundreds. In April the archdiocese of New York released the names of 120 clergymen who had been credibly accused of sexually abusing a minor or who was in possession of child pornography. Shame and stigma prevent many victims from reporting the abuse. People from low-income households and minority communities are even less likely to report.
The Catholic church in New York, along with private schools, the Boy Scouts, hospitals, foster-care systems and other religious organisations, such as Orthodox Jewish groups and Jehovah’s Witnesses, are bracing for a flood of suits. Nicholas DiMarzio, bishop of the Brooklyn diocese, recently warned his congregants: “we do not know how many lawsuits we will face during this window period, and if we will have to declare bankruptcy as a result.
Indonesia Berita Terbaru, Indonesia Berita utama
Similar News:Anda juga dapat membaca berita serupa dengan ini yang kami kumpulkan dari sumber berita lain.
Dozens of child sex abuse victims sue Catholic Church in New York after change in lawDozens of people in New York state who were victims of sexual abuse as children ...
Baca lebih lajut »
Child sex abuse victims sue Catholic Church, other groups in New York after change in lawDozens of people in New York state who were sexually abused as children sued ins...
Baca lebih lajut »
Fashion Offers a Lot to Learn in New Exhibitions in New YorkRather than just admire fashion, visitors are meant to consider the stories behind the fashion on view.
Baca lebih lajut »
New York Attorney General Vows To Sue Trump Administration Over New Immigration Rule“Under this rule, children will go hungry; families will go without medical care," Letitia James said of the new "public charge" policy.
Baca lebih lajut »
Michael Feinstein’s New Show Celebrates New York And An Earlier Time In A Fresh WayFeinstein's show at Feinstein's/54 Below celebrates the music of New York and the great nightclub entertainers who made the city unique.
Baca lebih lajut »
New York Public Radio Names a New Leader, Goli SheikholeslamiThe chief executive of Chicago Public Media succeeds Laura R. Walker, who led WNYC and related outlets for nearly 24 years.
Baca lebih lajut »