Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) has filed SB 946 to eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sex crimes against children, the companion to HB 23 sponsored by Representative Gottlieb.
“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.”
Seventy-five percent of victims of child sexual abuse don’t tell anyone for a year, 45 percent have still not disclosed after 5 years, and many stay silent for a decade or more – as seen in the highly publicized cases of the Catholic Church, USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, Jerry Sandusky, and others. Sexual abuse is the most under-reported violent crime.
Senator Book began advocating for survivors of sexual abuse in 2002 – long before becoming a member of the Florida Senate, following physical, emotional, and sexual abuse perpetrated by a trusted caretaker. Since that time, she has worked to prevent abuse through education and awareness and help survivors heal with guidance and support.
