BUFFALO (NY)
Buffalo News
February 14, 2019
By Jay Tokasz
Six Catholic dioceses in New York so far have identified 249 Catholic priests who have been credibly accused of molesting children.
But the names of potentially hundreds more priests could surface publicly now that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed the Child Victims Act.
Cuomo’s signature on the legislation Thursday means that childhood victims of sexual abuse who previously were time-barred from suing now will have an opportunity to file lawsuits.
Victims of childhood sex abuse had until age 23 to sue under New York’s statute of limitations. The age now changes to 55. In addition, the new law opens a one-year “look back” window for victims to file claims, even in sex abuse cases from decades ago. The look-back period starts in six months.
“We are anticipating a lot of people will come forward,” said attorney Jayne Conroy, who represents sex abuse victims across the country, including in the Buffalo Diocese. “I think in New York state it will be an onslaught.”
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