Lawmakers Pass Child Sex Abuse Reform Bill

SNAP
June 19, 2014

http://www.snapnetwork.org/ma_lawmakers_pass_child_sex_abuse_reform_bill

Statement by Kathryn Robb (kathrynrobb1@gmail.com 781-856-7207 cell), a board member of Massachusetts Citizens for Children and a member of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests and an advocate for this legislation

A bill to reform Massachusetts archaic, predator-friendly statute of limitations on child sex crimes has passed the State Senate today. (It passed the House earlier.)

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We are grateful to the many determined victims and advocates who have made this progress possible. While this measure is far from perfect, we're encouraged by it. Any legislation that gives more child sex abuse victims more chances to expose more predators in court is positive. We are grateful as well for the hard work by Rep. John Lawn and Senator William Brownsberger on this crucial bill.

At the same time, however, we hope Massachusetts lawmakers will do more to enable victims to also expose those who conceal child sex crimes. That would give employers more incentive to act promptly, transparently and responsibly when abuse reports arise and to take stronger steps to prevent abuse and cover up in the future.