So many of the most recent stories about child sex abuse cases are followed with analysis of why the pedophile can't be charged criminally and, depending on the state, whether the victims can still bring a civil suit. In the states where the civil statute of limitations has already run out the question exists whether there can be proof of fraud that would have stayed the statute.
I came upon a blog that looked at the issue being raised in Wisconsin. At the time SNAP was holding a press conformance to highlight the need for an extended statute. The Badgers were playing Penn State that week and it was a way to increase people's awareness of the issue.
The defense in the Badger Catholic was:
– This is only a way to make money for trial lawyers.
– Asking how it helps people in the present to look to the past.
– Why not doing something about the criminal statute?
Well with a closer look, it seems that the blog is very concerned about protecting the Church's money. That the whole attack on the trial lawyers is the same as the attack on the author of the bill in Wisconsin, it's a personal thing, about who has the money.
That theory totally dismisses the actual people who were injured here. It protects those who not only injured the person, but added to the injury with lies and protecting the pedophiles.
Just a look at the number of people who have come forward since just the Penn State story broke to answer the question of how it helps people today. It's an issue of empowerment. The joy of finally being heard and believed makes all the difference in the world.
As to the criminal question? Sure, go pass that bill. It would be like telling the blogger to write about something else, because those other things are important also. It really isn't an argument or an issue on point. Maybe the church should start telling the police.
This issue really isn't about cases that started when Wisconsin became a state. It's about victims who are alive today and really do deserve justice. That justice easily could have been dealt with back when these atrocities happened or as the issues came to light. They were members of the church that deserved all of the protections that "Zero Tolerance" offers.
The best thing the Church could do is accept their responsibility and help make these laws better for those who have been injured.
Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there
