Representative Keenan Reacts to Proposal to
Broaden Statute of Limitations on Sex Crimes

BOSTON, MA – Representative John Keenan (D-Salem), a member of the legislature’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary, reacted to today’s debate in the committee on moving forward legislation broadening the statute of limitations in sex abuse crimes.

“Although I would prefer to see the limitations lifted entirely, I will support the bill as it is a step in the right direction,” said Representative Keenan, “I hope that the legislature will keep this issue front and center, however, and will consider a complete lifting of the limitation in next year’s session.”

Under the proposed legislation, the statute of limitations for cases involving the sexual abuse of children would be extended from 15 years from the victim’s 16th birthday to 25 years, or until they are 41 years old. According to the committee’s research, the longer cap would enable the majority of victims who suffer from repressive memory to be able to bring charges against alleged abusers. The committee co-chair, Rep. Eugene O’Flaherty (D-Chelsea) has stated that the majority of victims come forward when they are between the ages of 28 and 34 and, therefore, this change would enable them to still level charges.

The current statute of limitations law “does not reflect reality and it does not do justice to the victims or their families,” Rep. Keenan wrote in an editorial in April with Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, “We must balance the scales of justice properly in our legal system; denying these victims the right to even seek justice wrongly weights those scales in the favor of the perpetrators.”

With the committee’s approval expected by this afternoon, the bill will move onto the House’s calendar for debate and a vote. The 2005-2006 legislative session will conclude at the end of July.