Bill in the Works to Extend Statute of Limitations for Rape Victims
A bill to extend the statute of limitations for rape victims in the state of Massachusetts is currently on its way through Beacon Hill. The action was brought up by a Westport sexual abuse group who aimed to provide people with the ability to pursue legal action against their abusers beyond the current statute of limitations.
The bill was initially filed in the 2019-2020 session. However, it failed to be address due to congress responding to COVID. The bill has since been refiled by Senator Joan Lovely for the 2021-2022 session.
Current Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations
Currently, claims surrounding child sex abuse in the state of Massachusetts are capped at 53-years of age. What this means is that someone who was a victim of child sexual abuse who does not feel comfortable coming out about their experience would have only until they are the age of 53 to do so to gain some type of criminal justice against the perpetrator. Anyone who came forward after the age of 53 could identify their attacker but there is nothing that could be done to punish them for their actions.
The new bill, titled Bill S. 1088, aims to eliminate the civil statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse. This bill also aims to open a permanent revival for time-barred claims. Victims of child sexual abuse and rape should never feel rushed to come forward and share their experience in the pursuit of justice. This bill aims to allow victims to come forward on their own time. It also recognizes that justice is a large part of the healing process for victims who have survived this type of abuse.
Massachusetts State Senators Steven Xiarhos, Kay Khan, Joan Lovely, and Michael Moore have all sponsored legislation that was designed to amend the statute of limitations regarding the criminal prosecutions for rape of a child and sexual assault.
We Can Help You
As a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial that you are comfortable to talk about your experience. Being rushed and forced to come forward can be detrimental for those who have struggled to deal with their experience. Our Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyer at Law Office of Carmen L. Durso understands that dealing with the trauma of passed sexual abuse is never an easy thing. For this reason, we remain open to providing victims with a comfortable atmosphere where they can come forward and tell their story.
If you were victimized by a sexual abuser as a child, our law firm will stand by your side and help you get justice. We will do all that we can to help you throughout the healing process. We will fight to hold the person who caused you harm to account and help you get the justice you deserve.
We truly stand by our commitment to helping sex abuse survivors and bringing sexual predators and abusers to justice. Contact our Massachusetts sexual abuse law firm at 617-728-9123 to get help now.
