CTA members lobby for victims’ rights

CTA members in New York have been very active in the movement to support childhood sexual abuse victims and make sure that abusers are held accountable. Last week, as part of the campaign for the Child Victims Act, they traveled to Albany to lobby state legislators and participate in a press event with Assemblywoman Margaret Markey, who supports the bill. "Under the leadership of Nancy Lorence of NYC-Metro CTA, our coalition engaged Senators all day long to discuss the value of removing the statute of limitations on crimes of child sexual abuse in NY State and to urge the opening of a one year window for older complaints to be brought forward,” said Steve, who attended the lobby day.

The Child Victims Act would change the statute of limitations requirements in the state of New York, making it easier for survivors being unable to bring their abusers to court. Advocating for this bill is an important social justice issue which our New York chapters have been involved in for some time. They've worked with SNAP and other victims advocates and survivor groups, and are a key part of the Catholic Coalition of Conscience working for the bill.

“Within the Catholic Church our membership urges Pope Francis to take strong action world-wide to hold bishops and priests accountable for acts of clergy child sex abuse,” said Upstate Call To Action Board Member Steve Powers. “Within New York State our members across four dioceses  feel that the removal of the current statute of limitations on certain new sex crimes against children and the opening of a one year ‘window’ for previous victims to come forward are extremely important. We act both as citizens concerned about the welfare of all our children and as faithful Catholics who are witnessing political stonewalling by our bishops.”