BOSTON (MA)
The Eagle Tribune
Ed Mason
Staff Writer
BOSTON — Sexual abuse victims say the scars left by their attackers never go away. But their chance to pursue their attackers in court does.
State lawmakers are considering legislation to end the 15-year limit on bringing criminal charges against attackers. Another bill they are considering would lift the 3-year limit for victims to sue their attackers.
At a Statehouse rally and later before a four-hour Judiciary Committee hearing yesterday, advocates and victims called on lawmakers to approve the changes.
Jetta Bernier, a Boxford native and executive director of Massachusetts Citizens for Children, said eliminating the statutes of limitations is critical to making the legal system work for victims of sexual abuse.