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Johnstowners Rally in Harrisburg for Changes to Sexual Abuse Law

By Dave Sutor
The Tribune-Democrat
April 4, 2017

http://www.tribdem.com/news/photo-gallery-johnstowners-rally-in-harrisburg-for-changes-to-change/article_31a97b1e-186c-11e7-823d-53a231d027df.html



Hundreds of small blue flags signifying Child Abuse Prevention Month fluttered near Shaun Dougherty as he spoke from the state Capitol steps on Monday.

The Westmont resident offered his support for a bill that would eliminate the criminal and civil statutes of limitations in cases of future child sexual abuse, while also providing a one-time, two-year window of retroactivity for past victims, such as Dougherty, to bring civil claims against perpetrators.

Dougherty, during his brief comments, pointed to the area where the flags were located behind a wall.

“I don't want any other children in this state to live the way I live,” said Dougherty, who was allegedly abused by a local priest.

“I want them to be happy. I don't want any more of those blue flags anywhere, anywhere around here. No more. I want to burn all those damn flags.”

Dougherty and dozens of other supporters, including several individuals who rode together on a bus from the Greater Johnstown area, gathered to support the bill introduced by state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks.

Rozzi, an alleged victim, referenced the ongoing child abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, saying his legislation incorporates recommendations made by grand juries that separately investigated the local diocese and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

“They don't make those recommendations lightly,” Rozzi said.

“And they are criminal elimination, civil elimination, and the last part is why all these victims are here today, the two-year window to give all victims the ability to have their voices heard.”

The House of Representatives is expected to discuss the issue on Tuesday.

Rozzi is not certain what steps will be taken next, but he is prepared to either go forward with his bill or propose a retroactivity amendment to any other legislation that is considered.

“Once we get to the House floor, it's hard to predict what may happen,” said state Rep. Frank Burns, D-East Taylor Township.

“I'm hoping they just run his bill outright. But, either way, we're prepared and planned ahead for any problems that may arise.”

Opponents of retroactivity, including the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference and the Insurance Federation of Pennsylvania, contend it would violate the state constitution.

John Nesbella, co-founder of the new local Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests chapter, said that without retroactivity a “black cloud” will continue to hang over the diocese.

Alleged victim Michele Gonsman, formerly of Ashville, added: “The statute of limitation reform – with the retroactive window – will allow us to name these abusers and protect our children. These predators are hiding behind the statute of limitations. Our representatives and senators who are voting against this bill are hiding behind the illusion of constitutionality. They are as guilty – if they vote against this – as the predators and perpetrators that are raping our children.”

Brenda Dick, a reported victim from Altoona, wants “real action” not “any more canned platitudes and rhetoric.”

“It is time to act,” Dick said.

“It's time to clean PA's swamp. That's right, I said 'the swamp.' I want to do it for Pennsylvania. I love my state. I want to do it for America, for the kids, the kids that are no longer kids, and the kids to come.”

Contact: dsutor@tribdem.com

 

 

 

 

 




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