An advertising campaign is putting pressure on Governor Kathy Hochul to compel thousands of alleged victims of sexual assault to cover claims for various organizations, including churches, hospitals, schools, and the Boy Scouts, under the Child Victims Act.
Victims who were reportedly abused as children decades ago have taken legal action against numerous organizations for their roles in allowing these abuses to occur, thanks to the New York State Child Victims Act of 2019.
However, defendants’ insurance companies, including that of the Catholic Church, often refuse to pay claims on behalf of their clients, according to the coalition that created the ad, which advocates for fair compensation.
The campaign is largely funded by supporters of the Catholic Church.
It’s claimed that Hochul’s Financial Services Bureau is meant to facilitate this law’s enforcement, according to its supporters.
“Who carries over 14,000 child sex abuse survivors on her back? Our Kathy Hochul. She aligns with her big insurance buddies, who evade responsibility while contributing to her campaign,” a voiceover from a 30-second cable ad states, which is being broadcasted in Albany and Upstate.
The ad features headlines concerning the location in Buffalo where ten churches have closed.
It also alleges that Hochul has received $578,000 in campaign donations from the insurance lobby.
“Survivors endure suffering while justice remains elusive,” the ad continues. “Governor Hochul has the authority to intervene. I will demand that she enforce the law. The insurance company should bear the costs, not the survivors.”
Survivors have expressed their frustration, with one, Steve Zimenez, stating, “Six years ago, survivors were assured that the Child Victims Act would hold abusers accountable. Instead, we find ourselves waiting. Governor Hochul will prioritize payments to large insurers. Enforce the law. Do your job, Governor.”
Officials from Hochul’s office have accused advocacy groups of trying to embroil the governor in a legal dispute concerning compensation from institutions like the Catholic Church and their insurers responsible for meeting these obligations.
“Governor Hochul has consistently shown her dedication to sexual assault survivors by signing new laws and investing significant resources to assist this vulnerable group,” said Hochul’s spokesperson, Avi Small.
He added, “It’s absurd for this organization to exploit the suffering of survivors in a cynical ploy to involve this administration in a dispute between private entities.”
The state’s financial department addressed the criticisms, stating, “As the court navigates essential legal questions regarding the contractual responsibilities of insurance companies, we are keeping a close watch on ongoing litigation and will hold insurers accountable as necessary.”
