Patricia Schroeder: “sexual abuse is a crime that devastates a child's life. For many children it is a reality. The trauma these victims face…”

“sexual abuse is a crime that devastates a child's life. For many children it is a reality. The trauma these victims face doesn't end when they reach adulthood. The road to recovery is excruciatingly long and often stretches far into adulthood. Because the trauma is so severe, many survivors involuntarily repress the memories of the abuse until years later, and are, therefore, physically and emotionally unable to face their perpetrators until years later. Unfortunately, by the time survivors are able to confront their abusers, they are legally unable to prosecute or sue them. Just as an abuser takes the control and power from the child, unduly short statutes of limitations take the control and power from the adult, by denying the survivor access to the courts. For these reasons, I am introducing this resolution encouraging States to take action to right these wrongs. It recommends that States enact comprehensive legislation that affords victims of childhood sexual abuse access to civil courts and consider legislation allowing criminal prosecution based on the evidence offered by adult survivors. In addition, it states that the Department of Justice should cooperate with and assist adult survivors by gathering data on State activities in this area. Protecting our children from sexual abuse is of utmost importance, but so is ensuring that the children we failed to protect have access to the courts as adults.”