Group Looks to Change Abuse Statute

The Kljb
December 11, 2013

http://www.kljb.com/story/24188505/group-looks-to-change-abuse-statute

[with video]

Once sexually abused when they were minors, now they are taking a stand and trying to change the law.

     

State officials are no longer able to prosecute their abusers because of the statute of limitation but now these women along with the local organization abbreviated S.A.A.M. is working to change that.

     

Right now in Iowa, once a juvenile victim turns 18, he or she has 10 years to report it to authorities. After that, the statue of limitation expires.

     

These survivors say it takes time to get the courage to say something and they need the law on their side when they do so.

 

"Somebody has changed who I am, for my entire life, and they have ten years to worry about whether they have to pay for what they've done," said Natalie Long. "I don't think that's justice at all."

 

Organizers are pushing for there to be no statute of limitation law in Iowa and Illinois.

 

However, the statute of limitation law for sex crimes against minors in Illinois is longer, giving victims 20 years to come forward.