Law for child sex abuse survivors begins Oct. 1; flood of lawsuits expected against Baltimore Archdiocese
Law for child sex abuse survivors begins Oct. 1; flood of lawsuits expected against Baltimore Archdiocese NBC4 Washington
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A New Chance for Justice: Child Victims Act of 2023 Takes Effect in Maryland
A new opportunity for justice begins this weekend for survivors of sexual abuse in Maryland. The Child Victims Act of 2023, which takes effect on October 1, lifts the statute of limitations on abuse cases, allowing victims from even decades ago to pursue justice through civil cases.
Focus on the Catholic Church
While schools and other groups could be affected, much of the focus is on the Catholic Church. In anticipation of potentially being sued by hundreds of victims, the archbishop of Baltimore has stated that the church is considering filing for bankruptcy.
Some survivors, including Teresa Lancaster, view the church’s move as an effort to undermine the law. While financial settlements are important, survivors believe that holding their abusers and the systems that protected them accountable is equally crucial.
Lancaster, who experienced sexual abuse at Archbishop Keough High School in Baltimore from 1970 to 1972, emphasizes that the effects of the abuse continue to impact her life and her family. She has fought for years to change the law preventing child abuse victims from seeking justice decades later.
The Impact of Father Joseph Maskell
Father Joseph Maskell, who abused Lancaster and other girls at Archbishop Keough High School, was the subject of a 2017 Netflix series called “The Keepers.” The series shed light on the abuse and the church’s initial attempts to discredit it. A report released by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown last spring revealed that over 150 Catholic priests and clergy members in Maryland sexually abused more than 600 children without facing consequences.
According to the report, Maskell was accused of abusing at least 39 boys and girls. Despite the church’s knowledge of these allegations for nearly 30 years, he was repeatedly reassigned until being placed on leave in 1994. Maskell was never criminally charged, but the church added him to its list of priests credibly accused of abuse after his death.
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023
Lancaster’s previous lawsuit against the archdiocese was blocked by the statute of limitations. However, after years of advocacy, lawmakers passed the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023. The new law allows individual victims to sue governmental entities for up to $890,000 and private institutions, such as the church, for up to $1.5 million.
While financial compensation is important, Lancaster emphasizes that what survivors truly seek is acknowledgment, apology, and a commitment to prevent future abuse. Lancaster and attorney Jonathan Schochor plan to file a class-action lawsuit on behalf of church victims once the law is in effect.
Concerns about Bankruptcy
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has expressed its consideration of filing for bankruptcy due to the likelihood of facing multiple lawsuits. However, attorney Jonathan Schochor believes that filing for bankruptcy would be hypocritical and hopes to ensure full compensation for abuse survivors.
David Lorenz, who heads the Maryland chapter of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, fought for the law change and raises concerns that filing for bankruptcy could prevent many victims’ stories from coming to light. He believes that seeing their abusers’ names in print can empower survivors to come forward and begin their healing process.
Seeking Justice under the New Law
The Archdiocese of Baltimore has cast doubt on the validity of the new law, suggesting that it may violate Maryland’s Constitution. However, individuals interested in filing a claim should report to the police and the Maryland Attorney General’s Office while retaining legal counsel. The abuse must have occurred in Maryland, but filers do not need to reside in the state.
This story was reported by Tracee Wilkins, produced by Katie Leslie, and shot and edited by Jeff Piper.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of civil cases filed by sex abuse survivors
- Number of victims seeking justice through the new law
- Amount of financial settlements awarded to victims
- Number of lawsuits filed against the Catholic Church
- Number of priests and clergy accused of sexual abuse
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | – Number of civil cases filed by sex abuse survivors – Number of victims seeking justice through the new law – Amount of financial settlements awarded to victims |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status | – Number of civil cases filed by sex abuse survivors – Number of victims seeking justice through the new law – Amount of financial settlements awarded to victims |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children | – Number of civil cases filed by sex abuse survivors – Number of victims seeking justice through the new law – Amount of financial settlements awarded to victims – Number of lawsuits filed against the Catholic Church – Number of priests and clergy accused of sexual abuse |
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Source: nbcwashington.com
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