In California, there are more than 660 credibly accused Catholic clergy abusers, according to one organization that tracks the abuse. The list of abusers includes four high-ranking bishops among the list of priests accused of harming children.
Victims of sexual abuse in California now have more time to seek justice through the courts, thanks to a new law signed last month by California’s governor. Included in the list are bishops Tod D. Brown from the Fresno Diocese, and Juan Arzube, Roger Mahony and G. Patrick Ziemann from the Los Angeles Archdiocese.
Attorneys at James Vernon & Weeks have teamed with California law firm Donahoo and Associates to help victim pursue their cases.
“The number of victims is staggering,” said Leander James of James Vernon & Weeks. “And we know survivors of child sexual abuse struggle to come forward. This is just the beginning.”
On Oct 13, California Gov. Gavin Newsome signed the law suspending the statute of limitations for three years beginning in Jan. 1, 2020, providing a window of opportunity for abuse survivors to bring past claims that have expired due to the statute of limitations. Survivors of child sexual abuse can now seek justice, no matter when their abuse occurred.
Going forward, the new law also gives survivors until the age of 40 or until five years from the discovery of the abuse to file claims. Previously, the limit was 26 years old or within three years of the discovery of the abuse.
California is among the latest states in recent years, such as New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Minnesota, to allow abuse victims more time to pursue civil cases. Abuse by Catholic clergy and Boy Scouts of America volunteers are a few institutions in California that have been seen large numbers of sex abuse victims, James said. In California alone, there are more than 660 credibly accused Catholic clergy abusers, according to one organization that tracks the abuse.
If you are a victim of abuse, call 888-667-0683 for a free consultation.
Below is a list of names of credibly accused Catholic clergy abusers.
Source: Bishop Accountability.