Clergy Sex Abuse Survivors Want Transparency
As numerous adults continue to come forward with allegations of years-old clergy sex abuse, New Jersey lawmakers are demanding stronger victim laws. Specifically, many would like to see one that mimics legislation passed in New York. The Child Victims Act allows survivors to file clergy abuse-related lawsuits until they are 55 years old. This gives them the time they need to prepare to fight against abusers.
It should be noted that a fund has been set aside by the Archdiocese of Newark to provide remuneration to clergy abuse survivors. This is a good start. However, survivors feel the fund does little to make up for the horrible actions of violators. For them, laws that give survivors more rights would speak much louder than money.
NJ Legislation in the Works to Help Clergy Abuse Survivors
Not all New Jersey government officials are turning the other way when it comes to helping clergy abuse survivors. In fact, Senator Joseph F. Vitale and other state legislators are trying to pass S-477. Vitale’s measure attempts to make blowing the whistle on abusers easier for survivors. Specifically, it would amend current legislation to extend the age limit to 55 years old to file a civil suit against a member of the clergy. By comparison, civil suits alleging clergy abuse must be filed within two years after a survivor’s 18th birthday.
Often, survivors have difficulty summoning the courage to come forward, making the two-year rule practically impossible to follow. In other situations, survivors may not comprehend the full extent of their sexual abuse until later in life or after years of counseling. By giving survivors more time to digest and understand what happened to them at the hands of a priest or other clergy member, the New Jersey courts could assist in providing many levels of much-needed closure and, when applicable, punishment against the accuser.
Taking Stigma Off Survivors
New legislation would not just help survivors come forward. It would also allow them to see the courts as supportive and open-minded to their needs. As it stands, survivors consistently feel burdened by restrictive deadlines. The opportunity to take time making claims of sexual abuse against clergy could mean more survivors receive their day in court.
Additionally, knowing that legislators see the clergy abuse scandal from a bipartisan lens can take some of the social stigma away from survivors who already experienced far too much emotional trauma. At this point, the proposed measure by Senator Vitale, et al, has not been accepted.
While compensation is a responsible step, money alone does not make up for years of abuse at the hands of a trusted advisor, mentor, or coach. Being able to file a suit against an alleged abuser can be just as cathartic. Plus, a civil suit can stop abusers from committing heinous acts against others.
New Brunswick Clergy Abuse Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate for Survivors of Clergy Abuse
If you or someone you love was abused by a member of the clergy in New Jersey, the New Brunswick clergy abuse lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation. Please contact us through our online form or call us at 732-537-8570 for a free consultation today. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients from New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
