Bill Would End Statute of Limitations on Civil Lawsuits from Victims of Sexual Assault, WTAQ, November 23, 2011

Bill Would End Statute of Limitations on Civil Lawsuits from Victims of Sexual Assault

WTAQ
November 23, 2011

wtaq.com/news/articles/2011/nov/22/bill-would-end-statute-of-limitations-on-civil-lawsuits-from-victims-of-sexual-assault/

Gavel with courthouse in background graphic

MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - A Democratic lawmaker says she'll try for a third time to end Wisconsin's limits on civil lawsuits against those who molest children. Senator Julie Lassa of Stevens Point has introduced a bill to end the statute-of-limitations on such lawsuits. Right now, victims who were sexually abused as children can file civil suits until they're 35. Lassa and other supporters say the age limit is arbitrary – and victims often need decades before they get enough courage to challenge their attackers in court. But the Catholic Church came out against the measure when it last came up almost two years ago. Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki testified against it at a public hearing. And La Crosse Diocese attorney Jim Birnbaum told lawmakers they should also end the sovereign immunity law, and stop barring-or-limiting damages when public employees commit sexual abuse. Lassa called it a bogus argument at the time – and she said the church was basically saying quote, "If we can't catch all pedophiles, then we shouldn't catch any." And Lassa said her 2010 bill would have applied in all abuse cases – involving both private and public offenders.