ILLINOIS
Southwest News Herald
• Friday, August 23, 2013
State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-16th) applauded the signing last Friday of a law that removes the statute of limitations on filing charges of sexual assault or abuse when the victim was younger than 18 and when there is either corroborating physical evidence or evidence that a mandated reporter knew about the crime but failed to notify authorities.
“This law gives the gift of time to victims of horrific crimes,” Collins said. “Letting them take all the time they need to come forward may offer these victims peace and closure, could prevent a child molester from victimizing others and — most importantly — gives justice a chance.”
According to the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, most child victims are not ready to report sexual abuse until after the current 20-year statute of limitations has expired.
This means perpetrators may remain free to exploit and abuse other children throughout their lives.
There are numerous reasons child victims may not be willing to come forward and press charges, even after they are adults.
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