Sex Abuse Survivors Call For End To Statutes Of Limitations On Child Sex Crimes

CBS Chicago
June 26, 2016

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/06/26/sex-abuse-survivors-call-for-end-to-statutes-of-limitations-on-child-sex-crimes/

CHICAGO (CBS) — While many in Chicago joined the annual Pride Parade on the North Side on Sunday, others marched downtown to call on lawmakers to eliminate all statutes of limitations on child sex crimes.

Members of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests rallied outside the Thompson Center, many holding up signs reading “protect our children, not their predators.”

“To stop sexual violence of children, it’s time to hold sexual perpetrators accountable,” SNAP President Barbara Blaine said.

The way to do that, Blaine said, is for lawmakers across the country to change child sex abuse laws to “step up, and reform the statutes of limitation once and for all.”

“All statutes of limitation for child sex crimes should be eliminated,” she said.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan also has previously called for abolishing the statute of limitations on all child sex crimes, saying it often takes victims years to find the courage and support to report them, and sexual predators often prey on children knowing they’ll be too ashamed or embarrassed to come forward.

Child sex abuse survivor Phil Saviano, whose story was told in the Academy Award-winning film “Spotlight,” was among those marching with SNAP on Sunday.

“If people are encouraged to come forward, they have the ability to file civil suits or take criminal actions,” he said.

Neal Huff, the man who portrayed Saviano in the film, also spoke at the march, and said changes must be made in order to stop sexual abuse.

“Unless there’s a sense of consequence, it will continue to happen,” he said. “You’re simply destroying humanity.”