Trending
Tuesday's election gave Pennsylvania a rare chance to right a long-standing wrong. With Democrats taking control of the state Senate, the Legislature can finally pass civil statute of limitations reform and open a window for child sexual abuse survivors of any age to seek justice.
As an attorney who has represented child sexual abuse survivors for 35 years, I have had the humbling responsibility of helping give voice to courageous men and women who have sought to hold perpetrators, and the institutions that enabled them, accountable.
I have sat with survivors as they spoke their truth for the first time. Too often, I have had to tell them that their political leaders have shut the courthouse doors on them because of their age or when they were abused.
A 2018 statewide grand jury urged a two-year window for survivors whose claims had expired. The Pennsylvania House has repeatedly passed window legislation. Each time, Republican Senate leadership, lobbied hard by the Catholic Church and insurers, refused to allow even a floor vote. Come January, that obstacle will be gone.
When survivors are heard, something changes, for them and for the institutions forced to answer. Too many have found the courage to come forward only to be told they waited too long. That is a second betrayal, and the Legislature can and must end it.
The new Senate should make a revival window one of its first votes. Readers should call their state senator and say so. Survivors have waited long enough.
ANDREW SHUBIN
State College
Submitted by Virtual Newsroom