Awaiting justice in our state

LEADERS WON’T TAKE A STAND

New Yorkers and people of good faith everywhere agree that the sexual abuse of children is among the most heinous of crimes. It is not a political or partisan “issue” — but a universal human concern with lifelong ramifications for all of us and our families and communities, especially our children.

Why, then, has this crucial issue been so neglected by the powers that be in our great State of New York? Why is our state plagued by one of the worst records in the nation when it comes to statute of limitations reform?

Sadly, New York ranks alongside Alabama and Mississippi, a potent reminder that the quest for civil and human rights must continue until our children are adequately protected — and all who were previously victimized are allowed to seek legal redress.

As a survivor of years of sexual abuse by a Xaverian teaching brother at Holy Name School in Brooklyn — from age 10 until nearly 14 — I was molested repeatedly in bathhouses, locker rooms, shower stalls, classrooms and other places. I have tried to seek justice for more than a dozen years from Catholic Church officials, including Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn. Because I have been barred by the statute of limitations from filing a criminal or civil suit, I approached church officials directly, only to find the church staunchly opposed to the Child Victims Act, including its oneyear “window” that would allow older victims like me to pursue claims.

Please remind state legislators like Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan and Deputy Majority Leader John DeFrancisco that protecting children from predators is not another item on their political checklists that can be shunted aside for another year — or another 10 years. Tell them to listen to victims and survivors whose lives and families have been damaged irreparably, not to the smarmy whispers of well-paid lobbyists or the fear-mongering of William Donohue of the Catholic League.

The time has come, fellow New Yorkers. The time is now. Thank you for your support in our long struggle. The Child Victims Act is not only our last and best hope — it’s our only one.

Stephen Jimenez is a survivor of serial sex abuse and an award-winning journalist and author. He can be reached at stevejimenez53@msn.com.