PA Advocates Renew Push To Eliminate Statute Of Limitations In Child Sex Abuse Cases

PENNSYLVANIA
CBS Philly

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) — Advocates say they believe the grand jury report about abuse by priests in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese is a tipping point in their effort to eliminate the statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases.

Advocates have been trying for more than a decade to enact legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for both criminal and civil cases of child sex abuse. At a state capitol event Monday, Attorney General Kathleen Kane was among those who argued for a change in the law.

“That those who prey on our children know that you’ll never get a free pass,” Kane said.

Brenda Dick, identified as a victim of the Altoona-Johnstown abuse, made a personal plea for action.

“It is a life sentence,” Dick said. “I’m not asking, I’m begging.”

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