CHILD Victims Act Supporters Plan Rally to Persuade New York State Lawmakers

By Michael O'Keeffe
New York Daily News
April 11, 2013

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/node/137159

Save the date: Supporters of the Child Victims Act will gather in Albany next week to push New York State lawmakers to pass the bill inspired by sex-abuse scandals at Poly Prep Country Day School, Syracuse and other institutions.

Current state law requires survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a case by the time they are 23 years old. The bill by Assemblywoman Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth) would eliminate the criminal and civil statute of limitations on sex-abuse cases.

“I wanted to remind everyone about the Rally and Lobby Days for the Child Victims Act of New York that will take place in Albany on April 16-17 and hope you will make plans to join us to demonstrate there is strong support for the legislation,” Markey said in a statement issued earlier this week.

“On these two days advocates and supporters will work to educate Assembly members and Senators about the need to reform our state’s archaic statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes. Highlight of the days will be a rally and press conference in ‘The Well’ of the Capitol’s Legislative Office Building at 12 noon on Wednesday, April 17. Look for more details from me soon about these two days.”

Supporters of the bill say it is necessary because most sexual abuse victims aren't prepared to address the damage they have suffered until they are in their 40s or 50s.

“Our work to pass the Child Victims Act of New York is part of a national movement to reform unjust statute of limitations laws in many other states,” Markey said. “Right here in the Northeast, initiatives are underway in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Keep track of these initiatives through the website, www.sol-reform.com, which reports on SOL reform activities throughout the U.S.”