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	Violation Knows No Time Limits Memory Can Haunt Child Victims for Life By Dianne Williamson Telegram & Gazette [Worcester MA] September 17, 2006 http://www.telegram.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID= /20060917/COLUMN01/609170477/1101 It took Ann McCarron of Worcester almost two decades to realize the sexual abuse she suffered as a child had consequences, for herself and potentially for her assailant. Only when she grew up and grew older, only after years of destructive behavior and painful therapy, did Ann understand the wide-ranging emotional and legal ramifications of her repeated abuse by the family's trusted family physician. The molestation began when she was 7 years old; by the time she was 25 and strong enough to seek justice, it was too late. "I went to the lawyers and was basically told that my case was too old," said Ann, now 43. She wasn't alone. In 2004, a Hampden County prosecutor indicted Bishop Thomas L. Dupre for the child rape of two boys, making him the first Roman Catholic bishop to be charged with the crime. Within hours, though, the indictment was withdrawn, after the bishop's lawyers filed papers noting the statute of limitations had run out. These days, as victim advocates manage to focus our attention on the evils of child molestation, some of the vigilante-type fervor aimed at sex offenders has become disquieting and often over the top. Civil libertarians, especially, have worried that our zeal to protect children sometimes threatens to erode the rights of alleged perpetrators. But there should be no such worry with the bill now sitting on the desk of Gov. Mitt Romney. Sent to the governor last Thursday, the measure recognizes it sometimes takes years for a victim to come to terms with the fact he or she was abused, to summon the courage to speak out and to recognize the perpetrator can be prosecuted. Under the bill, the state statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases would be extended to 27 years after the victim first reports the episode, or 27 years after the victim turns 16. And prosecutors could bring charges in cases that occurred longer ago if there is independent evidence which corroborates the victim's allegations. The 27-year period was chosen as a compromise between lawmakers who are satisfied with the current 15-year statute and those who want to eliminate it altogether. Another portion of the bill would close a loophole by requiring convicted sex offenders not only to register with the state before they're released from jail, but also to be classified before they're released. Last week, a spokesman for Mr. Romney said he agrees with the bill "in principle" and is reviewing it, but he indicated the governor is inclined to sign the measure. "He supported lifting the statute of limitations entirely for child sex crimes, but he believes this bill represents a step in the right direction," said spokesman Felix Browne. "And we've long advocated the registration of offenders before they're released from prison, which is a feature of the bill." While civil libertarians worry it may be difficult for defendants to receive a fair trial for deeds allegedly committed so long ago, this measure is overdue. Why should a child abuser elude justice because of the mere passage of time? Society has long understood that some crimes are so heinous no statute of limitations should exist. Murder is one of those crimes. Child sexual abuse should be another. Our laws should send the strongest possible message to abusers: if you molest children, you will never rest easy, and you will someday be sent to prison. My friend Ann was abused for five years as a child by a family physician. Like many victims, she suffered the loss of her innocence and trust, and she struggled mightily as a young adult with substance abuse and feelings of self-loathing. Today she's the recreation director at Assumption College, and in 1998 she rode her bicycle more than 3,000 miles across America to raise awareness of childhood sexual abuse. Since then, she has run the annual "Voices for Children" bike ride and fundraiser at Assumption. "I think this bill is terrific," said Ann. "The effects of childhood sexual abuse continue throughout your life. It doesn't leave you. Any time you have the opportunity to make the perpetrator accountable, it's a big part of the healing process and it helps you take control of your life." In Ann's case, she learned years after the abuse her former physician had been charged with abusing other children. But he was never prosecuted, for reasons which are unclear, and he left the country. When she was in her mid-20s, she hired a private investigator and spoke to several lawyers who explained that she had little recourse. "Would I love to prosecute him? Absolutely," she said. "I still think about it. But I've put most of my energy toward helping other children and parents." With the passage of this bill, Ann and others like her would have the options they deserve. Contact Dianne Williamson by e-mail at diannewilliamson@telegram.com.
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