A standard federal law that changes the statute of limitations on criminal prosecution of child sexual abusers must be addressed by the sitting senators. Research indicates that state laws in regard to this issue vary immensely. As an example, in New York a victim can only bring charges against their abusers until they reach 23 years of age; while in Florida there are no statutes of limitations for filing criminal charges for child sexual abuse.
This inconsistency can’t be ignored. On a daily basis news reports are shown concerning childhood sexual abuse offenders that include priests, celebrities, sports figures, and family members. Many victims of childhood sexual abuse do not even address the abuse until they are thirty to forty years of age. These laws teach offenders that if they scare, confuse, or hurt their victim enough to keep them quiet for long enough they can avoid prosecution.
Congress needs to propose an amendment calling for the termination of the statutes of limitations for criminal prosecution of child sex abusers. If a federal law is passed America’s children will be safer. Those who take away a child’s innocence will never be able to stop looking over their shoulders because one day the abused will have to courage to stand up and the law will be in place so justice can occur.
