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).

This measure will stop more sex offenders. It enables child sex abuse victims to expose dangerous predators in court. It enables employers and neighbors and even relatives to learn about and protect themselves from child molesters who otherwise would have stayed “under the radar.”

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.

Read the full story here

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])


Showing 6 comments

  • Paula Young
    commented 2016-01-28 09:15:23 -0600
    I am wanting to know if my grandsons step mother can be charged with child abuse charges? She has mentally and sexually and emotionally abuse him since he was 5 yrs old, and now he is 14 yrs old and finally out of her clutches…This was reported to the local DCFS officials here in 2007, which was at that time deemed unfounded?? But now he is finally talking to his love ones that tried to protect him from her all these years….I believe she has profoundly harmed him for life and I think she needs to be charged with a crime?
  • Rosemary McHugh
    commented 2013-08-23 14:49:55 -0500
    Congratulations! This is wonderful news!
  • Annette Kissell Nestler
    commented 2013-08-23 14:35:16 -0500
    Awesome news! Congratulation to all who were involved, in this becoming a reality. Kudos to the lawmakers and Governor. Let’s go New Jersey???
  • David Lorenz
    commented 2013-08-23 11:44:26 -0500
    Way to Go!!!! Thanks to the governor and all the legislators who supported this.
  • Bob Schwiderski
    commented 2013-08-23 10:24:20 -0500
    Huge, huge, huge — Standing Ovation ! Applause !

    “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
  • @ tweeted this page. 2013-08-23 08:31:01 -0500

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