November 16, 2005

More time sought to file sex abuse suits

TENNESSEE
Tennessean

Victims of sexual abuse by priests would have a second chance to file suit against the church or abusive clergy under a law change being sought by members of a victims' rights group.

During a news conference yesterday, members of the Tennessee chapter of Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests announced they have found two lawmakers to support a bill that would temporarily reopen the statute of limitations on lawsuits against pedophiles.

Generally, state law gives a victim of sex abuse one year from the incident to file a civil suit against the abuser. Those abused as children generally have until age 19 to file the suit.

Posted by kshaw at November 16, 2005 07:30 AM