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New Optimism Among State Democrats over Potential Passage of Child Victims Act in 2019

By Mark Goshgarian
Spectrum Local News
December 5, 2018

http://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2018/12/05/new-optimism-among-democrats-over-potential-passage-of-child-victims-act-in-2019

Democrats will head both the Assembly and the Senate next month after taking control away from the Republican majority in last month's election.

Tim Kennedy, Western New York's only Democratic senator and soon to be part of that majority, said in a statement:

"With a change in leadership, I'm confident we'll finally see powerful reform and long-overdue justice."

One of those reforms is the Child Victims Act, a measure that, in part, extends the age limit abuse victims can file civil suits or seek legal charges.

The measure passed the Assembly twice, but has stalled in the current GOP-controlled Senate.

It also has support from long-time Boston attorney Mitchell Garabedian.

"I believe the bill has a better chance of passing now that the Democratic Party has control of the Senate,” said Garabedian.

Among those opposed to the act as written is the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo.

Leaders say they oppose a provision calling for a one-year look back window for victims of any age to file criminal charges and bring their abusers to court.

In response to the abuse crisis, the Diocese established an Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program where cash awards are offered to those who have filed claims.

"And I believe the glass is now half full instead of half empty,” said Garabedian.

Eight of Garabedian's clients have been offered amounts ranging from $10,000 to $340,000.

Some offers have been accepted, while a few of the lower amounts have not been.

"Other victims or survivors who have also received higher amounts aren't happy with the amounts and they're willing to wait to see if the Child Victims Act will change. Change the law,” said Garabedian.

“I've fought for its passage for years, and now more than ever, at a time when disturbing cases of abuse continue to come to light across Western New York, survivors deserve to be heard,” said Kennedy.

The new legislative session starts January 9.

 

 

 

 

 




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