BOSTON — During a briefing at the State House on Thursday, Sen. Joan B. Lovely addressed the critical issue of child sexual abuse, advocating for new legislation aimed at better protecting children and survivors in Massachusetts. The discussion highlighted the pressing need to reform laws that currently leave vulnerable minors at risk.
Berkshire County District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue emphasized the importance of Bill 1634, aimed at addressing sexual assaults involving adults in positions of authority or trust. Shugrue pointed out that similar laws are already in place in 80% of states, stating, “We are unknowingly legalizing sexual assault under the current law. This is our moment to correct that.”
The law allows individuals aged 16 and older to legally consent to sexual activity, a provision that some argue creates a loophole that can be exploited by predators targeting minors aged 16 to 18. “This is unacceptable,” Shugrue declared. “Without a law, we are essentially permitting exploitation.”
Kathryn Robb, the National Director of the Children’s Justice Campaign at Enough Abuse, shared alarming statistics indicating that one in four girls and one in thirteen boys will encounter sexual assault before their 18th birthday. She noted that many incidents are likely unreported, further exacerbating the issue.
During her testimony, Erin Laffond, a survivor of abuse, recounted her experience of being groomed and exploited by an individual she initially viewed as a father figure. “He emotionally manipulated me, using his community standing to mask his actions,” Laffond said. “I trusted adults when I was a child; that trust was shattered.”
Robb described the current Massachusetts statute of limitations, which restricts survivors to filing lawsuits until age 53, effectively shielding perpetrators from accountability. “It is antiquated and fundamentally unfair,” she remarked. “Why should offenders benefit from the passage of time while victims continue to suffer?”
Robb pushed for revival legislation that would enable survivors to pursue civil suits even after the statute of limitations has expired. She also shared a personal story about her son, Jesse, who was assaulted at the age of eight, unable to name his perpetrator due to existing laws.
Jetta Bernier, Executive Director of Enough Abuse, provided recent examples of sexual abuse cases occurring in schools across Massachusetts. She argued that many of these incidents could have been prevented with appropriate measures in place to protect children. Proposed legislation aims to mandate educational programs in schools, thorough screening of applicants for prior misconduct, and stricter penalties for educators who commit sexual abuse.
“I’m as outraged as ever, and we must act now,” Bernier stated, emphasizing the necessity of immediate change to ensure children return to school better protected this September.
This discussion marks a crucial turning point in Massachusetts, as lawmakers consider significant reforms to tackle the alarming rate of child sexual abuse, aiming to create an environment where children can learn and grow free from fear and exploitation.
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