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In Reply to: The Catholic Church and sexual abuse posted by Acheick on April 24, 2002 at 18:27:26:
From this website: http://www.clergy-priest-sexual-abuse.com/
What rights do victims of sexual abuse by priests and clergy have?
Although the sexual abuse may have occurred while a child, those who are now adults may still be pursue cases even if the abuse happened years ago. Massachusetts law gives victims three years from the date of the abuse. However, the three years does not begin until a person is age 18 (ending at age 21). The law also provides the following provision to victims of sexual abuse while minors, the three year limit only begins when the "victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that an emotional or psychological injury ... was caused by said act." Thus, if a child is unaware that they were a victim of molestation (as is the case when people suppress the damage) the law allow recovery for many years into a victim's adult life.
Under Massachusetts law, victims of childhood sexual abuse involving the rape of a minor, a criminal charge may be brought as late as (15) fifteen years from the date of the rape.
The law provides that the 15 years does not include any years the abuser did not reside in the state. Thus any period where the abuser is not a resident in Massachusetts is "excluded" in determining the 15 year limit.
The decision to file suit for sexual abuse after years of shame and silence is not an easy one.
The recent public scandals involving sexual abuse by priests may help some sufferers to know that they were not alone and an isolated case, "not to blame or being punished for being bad" as some children have believed. More and more priests are being identified as child molesters. As scores of victims come forward it may help others to come forward, confront their abusers and begin to heal. Many victims have been estranged from their church and their faith. They deserve to be compensated publicly and financially for their loss and pain. Only then can they go forward, regain their self respect and regain their trust in their religion.
The Catholic church has a lot to answer for. Much of this alleged abuse that is now topping the headlines in many major cities could have been prevented if the church had taken steps to remove the priest offenders when complaints were voiced instead of ignoring them or transferring priest to another parish. Evidence is emerging every day that the church has know about and covered up hundreds of incidents of abuse.
If you or someone you love has been a victim of sexual abuse by a priest or member of the clergy and have suffered as a result, contact us for a confidential review of your legal rights
