Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell, D-Theresa, has called for unequivocal support for victims of child sex abuse and for the legislation she cosponsored, the Child Victims Act (A.10600).
“It’s simply not enough to say we support victims,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “We need to stand behind the Child Victims Act and make sure it gets passed so abusers are held accountable and victims get the justice they deserve.”
Under the legislation, the statute of limitations – which is currently two or five years, depending on the crime – would be lifted. The bill would also allow for a one-year lookback window to revive a previously time-barred case. Current law by and large shuts off a victim’s legal rights at age 23.
In addition, the legislation adds clergy to the list of mandatory reporters required to report instances of suspected child abuse. It would exempt confidential disclosures, such as those made in confession, however.
“Adults who were victims of child sex abuse have suffered and waited far too long,” Assemblywoman Russell added. “It’s time they’re heard and their abusers are held accountable for what they’ve done so that victims can get closure and begin the healing process.”
