By Angela Montefinise
New York Post
May 31, 2009
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05312009/news/regionalnews/accusers_new_hope_for_justice_171830.htm
Steve Jimenez has waited four decades for justice. A controversial state bill could be the answer to his prayers.
Jimenez, 55, is one of dozens of New York Catholics claiming they were sexually abused as children by clergymen. He claims it happened repeatedly at the hands of a teacher at Holy Name Elementary School in Brooklyn from 1964 to 1967.
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| STEVE JIMENEZ Alleged victim in the '60s. |
"I didn't understand what was going on," said Jimenez, who still lives in Brooklyn and has been seeing a psychiatrist for three decades. "This guy was very much a father figure to me. I couldn't tell my family or my friends. I felt such deep shame."
It was decades before Jimenez was comfortable enough to pursue action against the Brooklyn Diocese.
By then, it was too late; the statute of limitations had passed. Under current law, victims have five years after their 18th birthday to file suit.
Under a new bill, the statute would be extended to 10 years and a one-year window would allow victims of any age to file suit.
Jimenez said he'd "absolutely" file if the bill passes.
A $300 million suit filed in 2003 by nearly 50 plaintiffs against 24 priests in the diocese was tossed in 2006 because of the statute. That suit could have a second chance.
"It has to be brought to light," Jimenez said. "Their mission was to send me to heaven. They sent my life straight to hell."
Contact: angela.montefinise@nypost.com
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