ANNAPOLIS (MD)
SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests [Chicago IL]
February 5, 2025
On Monday, the Supreme Court of Maryland upheld the constitutionality of a state law that ended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits. SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is ecstatic that the state’s highest court reached this decision.
Maryland SNAP leader David Lorenz called this ruling “a victory for survivors.” He continued, “They will finally get their chance at justice and being able to expose the predators that harmed them. The Catholic Church has not done that, and this law will allow that to happen.”
Delayed disclosure of child sexual abuse is the rule. Some trauma-informed experts say more survivors disclose between the ages of 50-70 compared to any other age group. When archaic laws limiting victims’ access to the courts are overturned or even lifted for a time, communities are safer. Knowledge about who the hidden predators and their enablers are not only helps to safeguard today’s children, the exposure of perpetrator names can also be the first step to healing for those still suffering alone and in silence.
Many of those who abused in Maryland state have waited for decades for the opportunity to expose their abusers, as well as those that protected the predators. We are grateful that the Maryland Supreme Court did not dash their hope for justice and accountability.
CONTACT: David Lorenz (glydonct@gmail.com, 301-906-9161), Melanie Sakoda, Survivor Support Director (msakoda@snapnetwork.org, 925-708-6175), Shaun Dougherty, SNAP Board President (sdougherty@snapnetwork.org, 814-341-8386)
(SNAP, the Survivors Network, has been providing support for victims of sexual abuse in institutional settings for more than 35 years. We have more than 25,000 survivors and supporters in our network. Our website is SNAPnetwork.org)