House Committee Advances Bill That Gives Abuse Victims More Time for Lawsuits

WLNE Radio
May 29, 2019

https://www.abc6.com/story/40547227/house-committee-advances-bill-that-gives-abuse-victims-more-time-for-lawsuits

For Jim Scanlan, it wasn't easy to go public about the abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of a priest.

"There's this shame, fear, guilt," said Scanlan, of Providence. Lots of different feelings."

But Scanlan is glad he did come forward to testify in favor of a bill that would extend the statute of limitations from seven years to 35 years, after the victim turns 18.

The House Judiciary Committee gave it unanimous approval.

Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, whose own sister came forward as a victim of clergy abuse, sponsored the bill.

"This is the people's bill," said McEntee, (D) South Kingstown. "This is Annie's bill. This will make a difference for Rhode Island children into the future, and Rhode Island victims right now.”

There have been some changes to the bill since it came before the committee last year, including a seven year discovery period to gather evidence.

If the bill passes, anyone under the age of 53 can bring forward allegations -- even if the alleged abuse occurred before the bill goes into effect.

"What this will do is open the floodgates for so many people to come forward and seek some justice, to seek some retribution, and to seek the support and the acknowledgment that this horrible experience happened to them," said Peg Laghammer, Executive Director of the Day One organization.

Lawmakers also hope the bill will prevent future abuse cases.

"Institutions will be far more motivated to supervise and remove people who have been accused of these types of things, as opposed to transferring them or ignoring the complaints," said Rep. Robert Craven, (D) House Judiciary Chair.

This bill is not just for victims abused by priests.

But the Rhode Island Catholic Conference responded in a statement Tuesday.

"We have not had an opportunity to complete our review of the newest version of the legislation," said Reverend Bernard A. Healey. "We do, however, look forward to continuing to seek an approach that is legally sound and provides justice and healing for the victims of abuse."

The bill now moves to the full house floor Thursday.