December 3, 2019 – Newark, NJ

New Jersey made the decision to open a two-year window giving victims of sex abuse a second chance to sue. These court claims were previously barred by time limits. With this new two year window open dozens of claims against priests and scoutmasters are coming forward.

Six priests in the Camden Diocese as well as previously undisclosed claims involving a former archbishop of Newark had suits filed against them over the weekend. Another 59 year old man came forward accusing the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for failing to protect him against molestation by a Bucks County Priest.

More than 48 lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Church in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York were filed with this new rule, some allegations dating back to the 1950s. The Boyscouts were also hit with more than 20 allegations.

The new law making all of this possible was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in May and officially went into effect on Sunday. The previous law gave people two years to file from the time they realized they were abused. The new law extends the statute of limitations, giving people the chance to sure up until they turn 55. A two year window for sex abuse claims was also opened up, no matter when they occurred.

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer