Maryland childhood sex abuse survivors can now sue their perpetrators for abuse suffered years ago…
May 2023 — Maryland has enacted a new law that puts an end to the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their abusers. This new law allows survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that enabled them. This significant development comes in the wake of decades-long efforts by the survivors and advocates to bring justice to the survivors of child sexual abuse, particularly within institutions like churches and schools.
The Child Victims Act of 2023
The Child Victims Act of 2023, is groundbreaking legislation that repeals the statute of limitations on childhood sexual abuse lawsuits in Maryland. This law allows survivors to take legal action against their abusers and the institutions that harbored them, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Overcoming Past Limitations
Before the enactment of this new law, Maryland had a statute of limitations that allowed survivors to file claims only until the age of 38. This age limit was raised from 25 in 2017, following the passage of another piece of legislation.
However, the new Child Victims Act of 2023 completely eliminates this time constraint, providing survivors with the opportunity to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable at any point in their lives.
Are you a survivor of childhood sexual abuse?
Whether the abuse is ongoing or 50 years ago, it’s never too late. We can help get justice for abuse survivors.
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Opposition from the Maryland Catholic Conference
The Maryland Catholic Conference has been a vocal opponent of the Child Victims Act, calling it “unconstitutional” and “unfair.” The Conference argues that the legislation goes beyond similar laws that have been passed in other states, particularly in terms of the unrestricted time period for filing previously time-barred civil cases.
According to the Maryland Catholic Conference, the new law also creates a discrepancy in the treatment of public and private institutions. The legislation caps judgments for public institutions, such as the public schools, at $890,000.
Despite these concerns, the law has garnered widespread support from lawmakers, advocates, and even the state’s Attorney General, who has pledged to defend the law’s constitutionality in court.
The Impact of the Child Victims Act on Survivors
The Child Victims Act has been hailed as a significant victory for survivors of child sexual abuse, who have long fought for the right to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions that enabled them.
Empowering Abuse Survivors
For many survivors, the passage of the Child Victims Act represents a long-awaited opportunity to confront their abusers and the institutions that enabled them, and hold them accountable in a court of law. The law helps survivors “unshackle” from the guilt, shame, and fear that has kept them silent for years and allows them to place responsibility where it truly belongs.
Encouraging Transparency and Accountability
The enactment of the Child Victims Act also encourages greater transparency and accountability within institutions like churches and schools. By eliminating the statute of limitations, the law sends a clear message that institutions can no longer shield themselves from the consequences of harboring abusers.
The Attorney General’s Report on the Archdiocese of Baltimore
The passage of the Child Victims Act in Maryland coincides with the release of a comprehensive report by the state’s Attorney General, detailing decades of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.
Disturbing Findings
The 456-page report reveals the abuse of more than 600 people by over 150 clergy members and staff within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. According to the report, the church not only failed to protect the victims but also actively covered up the abuse and, in some cases, enabled the perpetrators to continue committing these heinous crimes.
Seeking Justice for the Survivors
The release of the Attorney General’s report has added momentum to the push for justice for survivors of clergy sexual abuse in Maryland. Advocates and survivors are now fighting to remove the redactions from the report, in order to further expose the extent of the abuse and hold the responsible parties accountable. The state has also has a victims’ hotline as follows:
Should you need assistance please call the Victims of Child Sexual Abuse Reporting
Hotline, 410-576-6312
The Survivors Advisory Board
There are many resources for survivors, including the Survivors Advisory Board, that includes trauma-informed professionals who can assist survivors through this difficult time. The Board members believe sexual predators within religious institutions, healthcare professions, youth sports, and other childhood activities need to be held accountable for their horrendous actions. Included in the Board are psychologists, advocates, family members of survivors, and attorneys who can lend guidance and an empathic ear.
The Role of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP)
SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, has played a crucial role in advocating for the rights of clergy sexual abuse survivors in Maryland and across the United States. The organization has been instrumental in pushing for the passage of the Child Victims Act and supporting survivors in their quest for justice. David Lorenz, the Director of the Maryland Chapter of SNAP, has been one of the state’s leading advocates for passage of this landmark legislation.
Providing Support and Advocacy
SNAP serves as a support network for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, providing them with the resources and assistance they need to heal from their trauma and seek justice against their abusers. The organization also plays a key role in advocating for legislative changes that can help prevent future abuse and hold institutions accountable for their actions.
A Voice for the Voiceless
SNAP has been a tireless advocate for survivors of clergy sexual abuse, ensuring that their voices are heard in the halls of power. The passage of the Child Victims Act in Maryland is a testament to the organization’s relentless efforts to bring about meaningful change and secure justice for survivors.
The Nationwide Push for Statute of Limitations Reform
The passage of the Child Victims Act in Maryland is part of a larger trend across the United States, as more and more states are enacting laws that eliminate or extend the statute of limitations for filing lawsuits related to child sexual abuse.
Other States Taking Action
In recent years, several states have passed legislation similar to Maryland’s Child Victims Act, including California, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. These laws have opened the door for thousands of survivors to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions that shielded them.
The Importance of Statute of Limitations Reform
The elimination or extension of the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases is a crucial step in ensuring that survivors have the opportunity to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable. These reforms not only empower survivors but also send a strong message to institutions that they can no longer evade responsibility for the actions of their members.
The Role of Lawmakers in Passing the Child Victims Act
The passage of the Child Victims Act in Maryland was made possible by the determined efforts of lawmakers who championed the cause of abuse survivors and worked tirelessly to push the legislation through both the Senate and the House.
A Bipartisan Effort
The enactment of the Child Victims Act in Maryland is a shining example of bipartisan cooperation, with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle coming together to support the rights of abuse survivors. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of addressing the issue of child sexual abuse as a matter of human rights and justice, rather than a partisan political issue.
Advocates within the Legislature
Several key lawmakers played a pivotal role in the passage of the Child Victims Act, including Maryland Sen. William C. Smith Jr. and Delegate CT Wilson. Both of these legislators have been vocal advocates for the rights of abuse survivors and were instrumental in pushing the legislation through the Senate and the House.
The Support of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been a staunch supporter of the Child Victims Act, expressing his commitment to the cause of abuse survivors and the need for greater accountability within institutions like churches and schools.
Signing the Child Victims Act into Law
Gov. Moore officially signed the Child Victims Act into law on April 11, 2023, marking a historic moment for survivors of child sexual abuse in Maryland. In his remarks, the governor called the Attorney General’s report on the Archdiocese of Baltimore “sickening and heartbreaking” and emphasized the importance of addressing the gap between justice and the legal system.
A Commitment to Justice and Accountability
Gov. Moore’s support for the Child Victims Act underscores his commitment to ensuring justice and accountability for survivors of child sexual abuse in Maryland. By signing the legislation into law, the governor has taken a crucial step toward protecting the rights of survivors and holding institutions responsible for their actions.
Conclusion and Hope for Survivors
The passage of the Child Victims Act in Maryland marks a significant milestone in the fight for justice and accountability for survivors of child sexual abuse. By eliminating the statute of limitations permitting survivors to file lawsuits against their abusers, the law empowers survivors to seek the justice denied to them for decades, and sends a clear message to institutions that they can no longer hide from the consequences of their actions.
As more states follow in Maryland’s footsteps and enact similar legislation, it is crucial for lawmakers, advocates, and survivors to continue working together to ensure that the rights of abuse survivors are protected and that institutions are held accountable for their role in perpetrating and enabling child sexual abuse.
If you are a survivor of childhood clergy abuse, know that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you seek justice and begin the healing process. Contact us today using the 100% secure intake form, or call us direct at 1-800-631-5656.
Let us work together to ensure that justice is served and that victims of clergy sex abuse receive the compensation and support they need to heal.
Are you a survivor of childhood sexual abuse?
Whether the abuse is ongoing or 50 years ago, it’s never too late. We can help get justice for abuse survivors.
"*" indicates required fields
We understand the situation may be difficult to talk about, but rest assured by taking legal action against these abusive therapist, you very well be saving someone else extensive pain and suffering. We will take legal action and hold them accountable. We keep all information about your case 100% private. There is no shame on your part, you were mislead and taken advantage of, start the healing process by taking action today.
New Laws Help Clergy Abuse Victims in Maryland Page updated May 24, 2023 for co-council edits
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