U.S. Gymnasts Argue for Changes in Bill to Help Child Sexual Abuse Victims
Last week, three former U.S. team gymnasts went before the Texas Senate to argue for a bill that would increase the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse. This would give victims more time to sue their abusers in civil court. The former gymnasts, who are sexual abuse survivors, urged the state’s Senate to restore a provision in the bill that would allow victims to also sue institutions.
The House unanimously passed the original bill earlier this month which excluded a provision allowing sex abuse victims to sue the involved institutions. The revised version of the bill would allow child sexual abuse victims to bring a civil lawsuit against their abuser and the involved organizations up to 30 years after their 18th birthday.
Victim advocates believe the original bill allows institutions to ignore or cover up abuse and removes accountability.
Under current Texas law, there is no statute of limitations to seek criminal charges against someone for child sexual abuse, but the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims to file claims in civil court is 15 years after their 18th birthday.
Several states across the country are pushing to expand the statute of limitations laws for child sex abuse victims. This push comes as several lawsuits are hitting institutions like USA Gymnastics, the Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts of America.
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If you are a victim, you should know there is something that can be done to ease your pain and suffering and to attain justice for the emotional and physical harm inflicted upon you and for the betrayal by those you should have been able to trust. Let the experienced attorneys at Baron and Budd fight for you. Call us at (866) 558-5574 or online.