Niagara Falls attorney Paul Barr has seen an uptick in the number of clergy abuse survivors wanting to file suit since the Child Victims Act became law.

"They can find support — legal support and personal support — and I can sort of guide them," said Barr, Fanizzi & Barr P.C. partner.

He says some claims are at least 50 years old, while others are from those who rejected or weren't eligible for a cash award under the Diocese of Buffalo Compensation Program. 

"I think I'm in a unique position to communicate with people. I've had that experience. And I've worked through the process of getting the help I needed to be able to cope with what happened to me," said Barr.

Barr says in 1979, his priest at what was then Sacred Heart in Niagara Falls invited him to the rectory.

"Sexually assaulted me," said Barr.

Barr told his mother.

"She instructed me not to share the information with anybody," he said.

Two to three years later, he reported it on two separate occasions to the Diocese of Buffalo.

"They thanked me and I never heard another word about it," said Barr.

The priest has since died.

Barr has rejected $45,000 from the compensation committee, and plans to file his own lawsuit.

"Putting dollar value on a case like this is difficult. I don't think it was fair. Much more importantly, I don't think the system was fair," said Barr.

Barr continues to seek counseling and has made it his life's work to help others.

"I think it's a responsibility. I just find it necessary to do it," said Barr.

"Not every victim is in the position I am," said James Faluszczak, Pennsylvania clergy sexual abuse survivor.

Faluszczak, a Buffalo resident, is also part of a select group advocating for others to get the help they need.

"I don't want to be talking to the media. I have an ability to talk to the media. My story seems to be compelling enough that you folks have been following it. I'm attempting to use that voice," said Faluszczak. 

"When you've had an event like this in your life, it stays with you for the rest of your life," said Barr.

Barr has yet to serve the Diocese of Buffalo, but has hired an attorney, though state law prohibits him from attaching a dollar figure to the suit.

He says he plans on filing before he turns 55 on May 1.