Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) and Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at improving access to justice for survivors of child sexual abuse, assault, and trafficking. The proposed Statutes of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act would encourage states to remove both civil and criminal statutes of limitations in these cases. Additionally, the bill would provide $20 million in grants to states that implement these reforms.
According to data referenced by the lawmakers, about one in four girls and one in twenty boys experience child sexual abuse. Nearly 90 percent of victims do not report their abuse to authorities, and many are unable to seek legal action because their claims expire under current laws. It is common for survivors not to come forward until they are 50 years old or older, often past the statute of limitations.
“Survivors of child sexual abuse often carry their pain in silence for decades. Too many are denied justice because the clock runs out before they are ready to speak,” said Congresswoman Elvira Salazar. “This bill says loud and clear: time will never protect predators, and the law will never fail survivors again. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to give victims their day in court, make sure monsters who abuse children can never hide behind legal loopholes, and protect children across America.”
“Child sexual abuse survivors should be able to come forward and seek justice without a deadline,” said Congressman Subramanyam. “We must take legislative steps to support survivors instead of upholding a system that works against them. Far too many child abuse survivors have been denied justice due to these arbitrary barriers. I am proud to lead legislation that empowers child abuse survivors and holds abusers accountable.”
“Every survivor of childhood sexual abuse deserves the chance to seek justice when they are ready. For too long, time has been a shield for child abusers and a ticking clock for survivors.” said Stefan Turkheimer, Vice President of Public Policy at RAINN. “The Statutes of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse Reform Act recognizes that healing does not have a time limit and keeps a path open for survivors to bring those responsible to justice.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
