Book files bill to reopen old child sexual abuse cases

In her latest effort to combat address sexual assault, Sen. Lauren Book (D-Plantation) has just introduced SB 1184, a bill that would allow child sexual abuse cases, whose statute of limitations has expired, be reopened for a period of one year.

Sen. Book’s bill also eliminates the existing statute of limitations for sex crimes against children at the civil level.

“Fear, guilt, confusion, and shame often keep victims of child sexual abuse silent for years – and the scars last a lifetime,” says Senator Book, a survivor and accomplished sexual assault prevention advocate. “When these survivors find their voices, they deserve to be heard – whatever the timeline.”

In a press release, Book outlined that 75% of child sexual abuse victims don’t come forward for at least one year and that 45% have not opened up about the abuse after 5 years, adding that “many stay silent for a decade or more.