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New Bill Could Have Big Affect on Child Sexual Abuse Cases

By Kim St. Onge
KCCI
February 12, 2016

http://www.kcci.com/news/new-bill-could-have-big-affect-on-child-sexual-abuse-cases/37947008

[with video]

A new Iowa law being proposed by lawmakers would remove the statute of limitations for victims filing criminal charges in sexual abuse cases.

Right now, the statute of limitations for pressing charges is 10-years after the victim's 18th birthday. After that point, you can't file criminal charges.

Jessica Henderson said she was sexually abused by a family member for nine years from age 6 to 14. Right now, Iowa law prevents her from pressing charges in the case.

"I believe everything that has destroyed my life and made me feel like this, made me feel like nothing is from the abuse," said Henderson.

She now suffers from depression, chronic anxiety, PTSD and was diagnosed with HPV, a sexually transmitted virus.

"I abused alcohol, I abused my body just to not think about it," said Henderson.

The now 30-year-old woman missed the deadline to press criminal charges by two years.

"We know that victims of child sex abuse often times aren't able to articulate what they've been through until the statute of limitations has already lapsed," said Sen. Janet Petersen.

Petersen is backing the bill that would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations.

The bill passed in the Iowa Senate last session and has been sitting in the House awaiting consideration.

"If you're really looking at the safety of children and making sure we are protecting Iowa children, you would favor this bill," said Petersen.

Henderson said she is not telling her story for sympathy. She wants to help other victims so they don't have to live through her nightmare every day.

"It could be anybody. It could be your aunt, it could be their aunt, it could be their daughter one day. Why would you want them to live through this?" asked Henderson.

The House majority leader said Thursday that he would like to see some version of the bill pass.

 

 

 

 

 




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