Jeanne Marron has been fighting for this moment for seven years — the chance to hold her alleged childhood sexual abuser accountable. 

"It allows me to not feel like I have to be silenced anymore," Marron said.

On Wednesday, she filed a lawsuit against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. It was one of 20 filed by attorneys Cynthia LaFave and Jeff Anderson.

This action was possible thanks to the Child Victims Act opening a one year look back window on Wednesday.

"That means every survivor that has been violated as a child, by an adult, can now do something they couldn't before," Anderson said.

In those lawsuits, 13 alleged perpetrators are named. They were all once religious leaders in the diocese. Anderson says the survivors range in age from 30 to 77.

"Survivors have carried secrets of their abuse for decades and so that ends today," said Mark Lyman, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse.

In a video statement released Tuesday, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger addressed the Child Victims Act going into effect. He encouraged survivors to continue coming forward.

"In the coming weeks and months, the Diocese of Albany plans to redouble our existing efforts to bring about reconciliation with survivors," Scharfenberger said. "We are a wounded family, and we cannot heal unless and until we care for and walk with those among us who have suffered in silence for so long."

Moving forward, advocates like Marron say they will continue to help others. They want to make survivors of childhood sexual abuse aware they can finally seek justice.

"We'll talk to you, we'll find resources for you," Marron said. "We may not be able to find one for every single person but we'll try and we'll help."

LaFave and Anderson say they're still processing cases. So in the days and weeks to come, more lawsuits will be filed.

To see our previous coverage of, and involving, the Child Victims Act, click here.