WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Foundation for Survivors of Abuse today announced that co-founders Desirae and Deondra Brown are working closely with U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) to guide the development of federal legislation that encourages all U.S. states and territories to remove the statute of limitations for crimes of sexual abuse.

“We sincerely thank and applaud Senator Reid and his team for having the courage and compassion to develop and fight for this legislation”

The Reid bill would empower survivors of sexual abuse by providing incentives for states to enable victims to file charges against their perpetrators when they are ready to come forward.

Founding members of the internationally renowned piano quintet The Five Browns, Deondra and Desirae Brown created The Foundation for Survivors of Abuse to provide healing and empowerment for survivors of sexual abuse.

“We sincerely thank and applaud Senator Reid and his team for having the courage and compassion to develop and fight for this legislation,” said Desirae Brown. “Our own experiences with sexual abuse by our father made us realize the crucial need for survivors of abuse to heal and come forward on their own terms, whenever they feel ready. This includes empowerment to pursue prosecution against their abusers.”

“Triggers that send a victim back to the abuse, anxiety and PTSD are very real conditions, exacerbated when we are forced to deal with situations before we are able,” added Deondra Brown. “We know firsthand that survivors have to dig deep to find the courage to take back the power and control that is taken from us by sexual abuse.”

Sen. Reid and his staff have completed the bill’s initial draft, and are currently seeking Republican and Democratic co-sponsors to refine and help ensure its passage.

Deondra and Desirae Brown are available to provide perspective for elected officials and their staff, and for members of the media, about the experiences of sexual abuse survivors, including the need for Sen. Reid’s bill.