Compensation Plan Offers Healing for Staten Island Clergy Abuse Survivors (commentary)

By Shaun Dougherty
Staten Island Advance
June 14, 2017

http://www.silive.com/opinion/columns/index.ssf/2017/06/compensation_plan_offers_heali.html

Shaun Dougherty, pictured in 2016. (Ivey DeJesus/PennLive.com)

The New York Archdiocese compensation program provides access to compensation for adult survivors of child sexual abuse even though their claims may be barred under New York law. Clergy sex abuse survivors in Staten Island have a very small window to pursue their abusers in court--one of the shortest in the country and one that is woefully inadequate. New York's "statute of limitations" leaves survivors with little recourse; however, for a short period of time the New York Archdiocese is offering its own compensation program, and I encourage all eligible survivors on Staten Island to participate before it's too late.

As a survivor of clergy sex abuse in Pennsylvania, I understand how difficult it can be to come forward. I was abused at 10 years old by Father George Koharchik, who was my priest, teacher, and coach, as well as a close family friend. I kept silent about my abuse and years passed before I could share my story with family and friends.

During this time, I struggled in school and in relationships and experienced depression, addiction and even a suicide attempt. I am now happily married, have built a successful restaurant in Long Island City, and am an outspoken advocate for survivors in both Pennsylvania and New York. I've been fortunate, but I still struggle. I know others do too, which is why survivors need to be able to access services and support that can help them rebuild their lives.