Albany, NY – Optimism was in the air yesterday for supporters of the Child Victims Act, as Governor Cuomo spent two hours meeting with survivors of childhood abuse in Manhattan.
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As previously reported on VIN News(http://goo.gl/Y636ZJ), Cuomo’s announcement this week that he supports eliminating the statute of limitations that prevents adults older than 23 from bringing charges against those who molested them came after the governor was slammed by victims for ignoring their cause.
Yesterday’s meeting was the second such sit down between Cuomo, advocates and abuse survivors as reported by the Daily News. Cuomo, whose girlfriend Sandra Lee underwent surgery yesterday, had not originally been scheduled to attend the meeting, but the governor decided to return to his Manhattan office for the meeting, a gesture that made a strong impression on participants.
“We were moved by the fact that he saw us with his significant other in the hospital,” said advocate Marci Hamilton.
Cuomo pledged his support to the Child Victims Act despite opposition from both the Catholic Church and certain groups within the Orthodox Jewish community.
“I’m hopeful,” said Michael Polenberg, president of Safe Horizon, a victims’ assistance agency. “A lot of important information was shared; a lot of powerful stories were shared. He was with us for a long time.”
Kathryn Robb, of the Massachusetts based Citizens for Children and also an abuse survivor, said that it was evident that Cuomo cared deeply about the issues.
“He gave me hope in leadership,” said Robb.
Cuomo’s meeting comes in stark contrast to vague statements from both Assembly speaker Carl Heastie and Senate majority leader John Flanagan. Supporters of the Child Victims Act criticized state legislators for their inaction on the bill.
“I don’t think the issue is how legislators feel about it,” said abuse survivor Stephen Jiminez. “I think the issue is that it is really time right now, given the large number of sponsors, for this bill to be taken to the floor for a vote.”
Terrible law that will hurt alot of innocent people and organizations. Let me make it clear I am all for protecting the victim. Offenders should be prosecuted. But any time you enact such a law you must ensure that all human lives are protected. The victim should be able to go after his/her offender but those being accused should have the abilty to defend themselves and have normal trials. Often in these cases the assumed offender is presumed to be guilty before the trial even begins. Its automatically an uphill battle for him. And often he must take a plea because he does not have 100k for lawyer fees to fight it.
So is it important to extend the statue of limitations? 100%. But make sure the individual being prosecuted gets a fair trial at the same time
Cuomo only follows the money so I guess lawyers donated to him.
Shavua Tov. No rachmonos for someone that touches a child.
However long It takes for the vicitim to find their voice.so be it.
And last ,you must let the proper authorities deal with this horror.
The rabbis and the rest of the collective leadership in our schools and shuls have done an incredibly poor job. Seems no place including my town is immune.
Times have changed.