Child sex abuse survivors:"It's time to protect children over pedophiles"

Child sex abuse survivors, trauma and legal experts, and elected officials gathered today to discuss the Child Victims Act. 

The legislation would allow a survivor of child sex abuse in the Buffalo Diocese to take legal action against Reverend Norbert F. Orsolits, who "admitted to sexually abusing dozens of teenage boys in the 1970s and early 1980s if he so chooses."

Panel organizers say all senators from the Buffalo region were invited, but only Senator Tim Kennedy confirmed -- showing his support for the Act.

The Act would:

• Increase the criminal statue of limitations prospectively
• Increase the civil statute of limitations prospectively
• Remove special protections for public institutions that have acted as a shield against liability
• Create a one-year look-back window to allow survivors over the age of 23 to seek retrospective civil relief

The event was held at Harriman Hall on UB's South Campus. 

Survivors, advocates and politician are on the UB campus talking about child sex abuse and trying to raise awareness to pass the child victims act in New York @WKBW pic.twitter.com/xGz1girxs1

— Photog Rob (@WKBWPhotogRob) March 10, 2018

Our reporter Chris DiMaria will have more on this developing story at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Check out our previous coverage: 

Fighting to support child sexual abuse survivors

I-Team: DA says sex crimes law should change in wake of Buffalo priest abuse scandal