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	Local Abuse Victims React to Church Settlement By Jeff Saperstone Fox 23 July 16, 2007 http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=afbc5737-d875-4517-a940-9ed30e78bfe2 Albany (NY) — Several plaintiffs of the record $660 million settlement between alleged victims of clergy sex abuse and the L.A. Roman Catholic Archdiocese sobbed in court as the judge approved the payout Monday. Some here in the Capital Region say it's time to take California's lead and lift the statute of limitations in New York to allow for a similar situation. It's the largest payout to date for victims of clergy sex abuse. Mark Lyman said, "The announcement of the 660 million dollar settlement with 500 victims in L.A. Is a major victory, for victims." The announcement of the massive settlement rippled across the country to the state capitol in Albany. Lyman said, "We know here in New York that we have a significant number of people who have tried to bring their cases into court and have been unsuccessful." That's because, according to Mark Lyman of SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests most victims don't come forward until later in life long after the statute of limitations has run out. In 2003 the California legislature lifted its statute on filing abuse lawsuits for one year. In that year 500 suits were filed. Lyman and others say there could be 150 cases in the Albany diocese if the legislature takes action here. Lyman said, "We see progress around the country yet here in New York, it seems our legislature has been ineffective in dealing with this issue." Reverend Robert Hoatson a victim of abuse and now director of the non-profit support group road to recovery says L.A. Cardinal Roger Mahoney was forced to apologize Sunday. Rev. Hoatson said, "As a result the archdiocese of Los Angeles has had to take a stand and say okay yes you found us, we did all this." The Albany Roman Catholic Diocese is not commenting on the settlement in L.A.. Rev. Hoatson says he's not surprised by that. Hoatson said, "I'm not surprised, because if the legislation is changed in New York State they're going to come out of the word work in the diocese of Albany." Both Lyman and Rev. Hoatson are pointing the blame at the state senate. They say only the assembly has taken up the issue of suspending the statute of limitations. Contact: jeffsaperstone@clearchannel.com
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