IL - Child sex abuse reform bill becomes law
For immediate release: Friday, Aug. 23
Statement by Statement by Barbara Blaine of Chicago, president of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (312-399-4747, [email protected])
In a huge victory for innocent kids and a huge defeat for child molesters, Illinois’ governor has signed a bill permanently lifting the civil statute of limitations on child sex crimes (SB 1399, sponsored by Sen. Link and others).
Illinois kids are safer now because more child molesters will face justice.
Kids are safest when predators are jailed. But that can’t always happen. So the next best option is to expose predators. Now, thankfully, Illinois lawmakers are letting more crime victims do this.
Recently, Governor Pat Quinn has also signed HB 1063 which eliminates the criminal statute of limitations on child sex crimes. This too is a huge step forward for the safety of kids.
Every parent in the state should be grateful to the hard-working individuals at the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Their dedication is largely what made this progress possible. We in SNAP deeply appreciate their dedication and support.
For more information, please contact Polly Poskins at ICASA (217-753-4117), David Clohessy (314-566-9790 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Dorris (314-862-7688 home, 314-503-0003 cell, [email protected]), Barbara Blaine (312-399-4747, [email protected])
Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director
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“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an action for damages based on childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly of the State of Illinois.” Bob Schwiderski