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To The Survivors Of Childhood Sexual Abuse- Whenever You’Re Ready: Eliminating The Criminal Statute Of Limitations On Childhood Sexual Assault Crimes In Light Of Pennsylvania’S Catholic Dioceses Grand Jury Investigation, Rebecca Schultz

Law Student Publications

It is exceptionally difficult for many survivors of sexual assault to come forward to tell their story. This is particularly the case where the perpetrator is someone in a position of power who the survivor trusted. The statute of limitations for cases of childhood sexual abuse can serve as another barrier preventing survivors from coming forward because it prevents any semblance of justice for those individuals. This is currently most evident in states like Pennsylvania that still impose a statute of limitations on crimes of sexually assaulting children. Pennsylvania is reeling from its most recent Catholic clergy sex abuse scandal, …