Verlenging verjaringstermijn sexueel misbruik

House approves stricter sex-abuse laws
By Michael Paulsonand Suzanne SmalleyGLOBE STAFF

The state House of Representatives today passed legislation prompted by the clergy sexual abuse scandal that would remove some restrictions on prosecuting abuse cases and would toughen restrictions on some convicted sex offenders.

The measure, headed to the Senate as early as Monday, goes partway toward addressing concerns raised by victim advocates, who have repeatedly objected to laws in many states, including Massachusetts, that preclude lawsuits and prosecutions stemming from abuse incidents that took place decades ago.
House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said the measure virtually eliminates the statute of limitations for the prosecution of child sexual abuse in Massachusetts.

The measure would change the state’s statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, making it possible for prosecutors to bring charges 27 years after the victim first reports the episode, or 27 years after the victim turns 16. And prosecutors could bring charges in cases that occurred longer ago if there is independent evidence that corroborates the victim’s allegations. (The 27 year period was chosen as a compromise, but also is supposed to allow enough time for victims to reach adulthood and recognize that abuse is a prosecutable crime.)

Governor Mitt Romney wants to review all of the provisions of the bill before deciding whether to sign it, but he is generally supportive, said his spokesman, Eric Fehrnstrom.
Posted by the Boston Globe City & Region Desk