BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Victims of child sex abuse — no matter how long ago — may get to pursue legal action against their molesters during a yearlong window in which some lawmakers hope to suspend Maryland's statute of limitations.

The proposal introduced this week before the state's General Assembly would eliminate the statute of limitations -- the maximum period of time that legal proceedings can wait after the incident -- for child sex abuse victims in 2009. Thereafter the statute would be extended from the victim's 25th birthday, to his or her 50th.

While similar legislation has failed during other sessions, bill sponsor Del. Eric Bromwell, a Baltimore County Democrat, said the bill will help victims who are suffering the lifelong effects of abuse, many who are not ready to file civil suits until decades later.

“I think we should be about integrity and doing what is the right thing to do,” Bromwell said.

The state's Catholic conference lobbied heavily against similar proposals last year and appear poised to fight Bromwell’s legislation as well. Brother Benedict Oliver, president of the Calvert Hall high school in Towson, the source of several sex abuse charges against a former chaplain and teacher, sent hundreds of letters to graduates including Bromwell urging opposition.

The letter says the two abused at least 14 students, and the bill’s passage could mean raising tuition and cutting extracurricular programs to finance lawsuits.

“Such measures would result in a severe, perhaps fatal, decline in enrollment,” wrote Oliver, who did not return a call for comment.

Child sex abuse victims such as Bob Russell cheered the proposal. Russell said he was a 15-year-old student at Calvert Hall when he was twice molested by the school's chaplain. More than 30 years later, Russell said he finally came to terms with his abuse, but can't file a suit because the statute of limitations has long expired.

“You kind of store it away and lock it up in the back of your mind and are in denial,” Russell said. “For some reasons, us humans are kind of wired that way.”

If passed, Maryland would join Delaware and California in providing a window for civil cases for child sex abuse victims. Lawmakers in Wisconsin are also considering one.

jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com

Comments from Examiner Readers

6:57 PM MST on Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Patty Rase Hopson said:
Sexual Abuse is not just a "CATHOLIC ISSUE". Stop allowing the Catholic Church to influence the lawmakers. Lawmakers are suppost to be making laws that protects ALL the Citizens...There should be NO Discrimination against victims of sexual abuse, because of their religion... Priest are just a small portion of the Pie of Predators. When you take the power away from the Catholic Church to influence lawmakers, then you may see laws change that protect ALL victims (no matter what their religion) not the molesters.

1 agree | 0 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

11:06 AM MST on Sun., Mar. 2, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Examiner Reader said:
the priest that abused all our children pluse dozens of others was put on stand plus 2 bishops and several priests with hands on the bible each one lied the frist bishop was found out he molested 15 smallboys years ago the second bishop came tohelp cover up then is sent to rome as acardinal our recent bishop buys everynews media or court attoreties or any one that has inside knowdge that has never been devuldged

15 agree | 6 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

9:08 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 re: "Extension for sex-abuse victims fails again"

owlafaye said:
Financially punishing the Catholic Church will diminish their social services? I should certainly hope so. Why do people suck up this Catholic double talk so readily? I hope you pay VERY careful attention to any item released to the media by the Catholic church. The lie of: The awful prosecutions against the Holy Mother Church 300 years ago (aprox. 1985 to 2025) by influential enemies of the church bent on destroying the chaste reputations of our clergy were thwarted by the efforts of the faithful and in time the criminals against the church were brought to justice. This is the LIE that the Catholic Church has ALREADY BEGUN...this is the day by day procedure of the church since its inception 1600 years ago. The Catholic Church is a well conceived LIE. Even EVIL will use good acts to further the cause of EVIL. Pay Attention!

10 agree | 9 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:20 AM MST on Sat., Mar. 1, 2008 re: "Extension for sex-abuse victims fails again"

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish said:
It is sad that Maryland's HB 858 was withdraw and that such lies were told about dire consequences. Chapter 11 does not imply real bankruptcy, it's reorganization. A diocese can't be bankrupt when it is opeening a new cathedral at the same time, can it? But there will be an opportunity next session. I urge everyone in Maryland to visit the Delaware Child Victims Coalition website, which remains active, and learn from our success. Samples of real letters to write, e-mails, letters to the editorial, suggestions for Opinion Pieces in the newspaper, phone call scripts, flyers to put on windshields or give out in front of churches - it is all there. Look at the list of sponsors that we had, non-profits, professional people and religious organizations. ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!

12 agree | 15 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

8:25 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 29, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Patty Rase Hopson said:
I wish Everyone would realize that Sexual Abuse is Not just a"CATHOLIC ISSUE"Statistics show us it happens in the homes, more often then in the Church.If you are going to get laws passed that truly protect innocent children Stop Making it a CATHOLIC ISSUE.Ohio Catholic Counsel proved that they are more powerful then any other organization and can FUND the lobbyist to knock down these one year windows. Don't give the CATHOLIC CHURCH that Power.I am an adult survivor of Childhood sexual abuse, abused by my uncle.Currently I await my case to be heard in the Courts in Ohio,To put my molester on the NEW OHIO CIVIL REGISTRY that was recommended by The OHIO CATHOLIC COUNSEL to replace the 1 yr window.This Registry took effect on 8/06.To Date their is not one person on this registry.Check the OH AG's website, not one is listed. Several cases have already been thrown out of courts.I am still awaiting the out come of mine.SEXAUL ABUSE IS NOT A CATHOLIC ISSUE IT Effects us all! Patty Rase Hops

19 agree | 7 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

6:35 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 28, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Examiner Reader said:
all offenders need to be punished equally, not just Catholics more than the rest. this is how the bill was wrongly written, and why it didn't pass. it was biggotted.

14 agree | 7 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:09 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 28, 2008 re: "Extension for sex-abuse victims fails again"

Udo Strutynski said:
It is misleading to claim that reparations for sex abuse now barred by statutes of limitation in various states would bankrupt Catholic dioceses, or at least diminish their social services. Financial control of these activities lies fully and exclusively in the hands of the Church. Cutting Catholic welfare programs is no more necessary than cutting clerical benefits, but opting against welfare additionally benefits the culpable Church by angering the faithful laity, and turning them against the victims of clerical crimes. Revictimization is something the hierarchical Church is very good at. That, and hanging on to their material perks. This Organization is speaking and living the Big Lie, and gullible secular government leaders are falling for it. Or, is this simply a matter of Power protecting itself, no matter what form it takes? It almost makes it necessary to invent a 'God' Who will help decent folk!

11 agree | 12 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:10 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 28, 2008 re: "Extension for sex-abuse victims fails again"

Examiner Reader said:
This article is not about the victims of abuse.It is about money and greed.

16 agree | 13 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

11:54 AM MST on Fri., Feb. 8, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Theresa Doyle said:
As a parent of 3 who were raised Catholic as my husband and I were I support punishment of abuse by laity or clergy. The "church" must be a safe & respected place for ALL. I am disillusioned and ashamed that those who proclaim to be ministers of Christ could treat His children so disrespectfully. Calvert Hall will loose it's integrity if it values and protects unchristian behaviors as has happened to save itself from financial burdens. Who are they rendering to? Ceasar or Christ?? Abuse is illegal and immoral - the end - and must be punished. Karma bites.

20 agree | 13 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

3:28 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 7, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Rev. James F. Moran, Priest and Victim of Abuse said:
Folks, let us please keep a wider vision on this topic of legislation -- we ar enot jus tlooking at vicitms of CLERGY abuse here -- the legislation is for children of ALL sexual abuse. Do we want to give the children the opportunity for healing and closure should they be the unfortunate victims of sexual abuse? Living with the memory and not being able to seek justice makes for a very troubled life. Let's give the kids a chance in the future -- a chance that many today do not have.

30 agree | 17 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

1:32 PM MST on Thu., Feb. 7, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Joe McMorrow said:
As a parent of a sexual abuse survivor, I strongly support this legislation. By God's grace my son reached a place of disclosure within 2 years of the incidents. It was only through the power of a civil action that he was able to learn the truth of what little was done in response to his reporting his abuse, the history of his abuser with young boys that had been concealed, and the lack of concern of this priest's leaders to see the truth and intervene to protect other children. Only through this legal recourse has the unpleasant, hurtful truth come out which has allowed some closure for my son and our entire family. The emotional damage of childhood sexual abuse, which is widely known by medical professionals and other interested parties, to be an impediment to disclosure and healing last decades, should not be the tool which allows predators to be unaccountable. I know in my heart what Jesus' position would be on such legislation.

23 agree | 17 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

11:18 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 7, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Concerned said:
Closing Calvert Hall is not the answer. Calvert Hall is a wonderful school. But the actions of Father Jeff, Father Brett, Joanne Kahn and the alleged abuse by Brother Xavier are clearly a black mark on the school. If there are other victims, I just hope they will now have an opportunity to come forward. They are not alone.

22 agree | 17 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

7:29 AM MST on Thu., Feb. 7, 2008 re: "Lawmakers consider �window� for victims of child sex abuse"

Examiner Reader said:
An attorney in Boston MA has studied sexual abuse victims and has found that a person abused by family member, neighbor, classmate etc takes an average of 20-30 years to recognize that they had been abused and that they have been "damaged" by it. A person abused by a "person of authority" (Minister, police, doctor, athletic coach etc) takes 30-40 years to recognize the same. PLEASE enact laws that will help people. The current laws PUNISH the victims. Fr. Jim Moran, Priest and Victim of Clergy Abuse

26 agree | 13 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate