HAWAII
Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests
For immediate release: Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Statement by Barbara Dorris of St. Louis, Outreach Director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests ( 314 8627688, SNAPdorris@gmail.com )
Yesterday Hawaii lawmakers approved a bill that would give child sex victims more time to expose predators and seek justice in civil courts. They also approved legislation giving prosecutors unlimited time to file criminal charges against child predators. We applaud this action.
[SF Gate]
HB 2034 would completely remove the statute of limitations for continuous sexual assault of a child or abuse in the first and second degrees and SB 2687 would extend the deadline for civil filings to 2016.
Giving child sex victims more time to take action is key to prevention. If those who commit or conceal heinous crimes against kids know they can be exposed or prosecuted, they may not attack children or hide predators.
No amount of money can make up for a lost childhood. But when victims are allowed to use the tried-and-true civil justice system to name sex offenders, uncover cover ups, get secret records and provide valuable evidence to law enforcement, children are safer and victims can heal.
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