Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has, reengaged her efforts to revoke the statute of limitations for child sex crimes. This was triggered by the arrest of U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert, who was sent to prison for paying hush money to hide the fact that he molested a former student when he was a high school coach. However, he could not be charged with child molestation because the statute of limitations had expired!
It's been proven time and again, that it can take years for a victim of child sex abuse to acknowledge what has happened to them and take the difficult step of seeking justice. That's why AG Madigan wants all statute of limitations revoked in the State of Illinois.
This is a vital public safety and mental health issue. Sexually abused children carry the pain and traume into adulthood. Perpertrators should not be able to commit these atrocious acts on children and get away scot free because they made it past the statute of limitations without being reported!
Please support Attorney General Madigan's efforts and ask the Illinois General Assembly to REVOKE the statute of limitations on child sex crimes!
Attn: President of the Senate, John Cullerton, Illinois General Assembly
We (the undersigned) fully support Attorney General Lisa Madigan's efforts to revoke the statute of limitations for child sex abuse crimes.
Research proves that it can take years for victims of abuse to work up the courage or sometimes even remember the trauma of being sexually abused.
According to one adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse speaking to an offender:
You have no idea how much of an impact your actions have on a child, how it can absolutely devastate a person's life, and how much work it takes to reverse the damage done. You must realize that no matter how small you consider the act you have done, it has changed that child and will have lasting consequences. I can only hope and pray that you get help so you will not repeat the offense. It is up to you to stop the cycle now."
Please think of the children who are abused. Children who are being abused as you read this letter. It may take them years to come forward, if ever. Revoking the statute of limitation will empower these victims.
Sincerely,
