Brooklyn Diocese Seeks to Settle 1,100 Abuse Lawsuits

- The 1,100 lawsuits were filed under New York's Child Victims Act, which was enacted in 2019. This act created a temporary "look-back" window, allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims that were previously barred by the statute of limitations. - Before this comprehensive settlement effort, the diocese had already paid over $100 million to more than 500 survivors through its Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program, which was established in 2017. - Funding for the settlements is planned to come from insurance coverage, cost-cutting measures, and the sale or leasing of diocesan real estate assets; parish donations will not be used. - The vast majority of the alleged abuse cases, over 90%, are from more than 35 years ago, with most incidents reportedly occurring in the 1960s and 1970s. - The Diocese of Brooklyn, which covers Brooklyn and Queens, is one of only two Catholic dioceses in New York State that have not filed for bankruptcy in the wake of the Child Victims Act. Six other dioceses in the state have filed for bankruptcy protection. - In April 2024, the diocese reached a separate settlement with the New York Attorney General's office to address findings that it had mishandled clergy sexual abuse cases for years. This agreement requires the installation of an independent monitor to ensure compliance with new safety policies. - The neighboring Archdiocese of New York announced in late 2025 its own plan to raise over $300 million to settle approximately 1,300 outstanding abuse claims. - Some attorneys for the survivors have expressed skepticism about the settlement announcement, with one calling it a "PR stunt" and stating their clients were not consulted about a global resolution.