Child Sex Abuse Victims Call For Change In Law
A bill before state lawmakers right now would give people who were sexually abused as children more time to file civil lawsuits. This week, victims gave testimony to a House subcommittee.
Right now, Georgians who are sexually abused as children have until they’re 23 years old to file suit against their perpetrator. This bill would extend that to the age of 53. Supporters say the extra time is needed to give victims the courage to come forward. Angela Williams told subcommittee members she was abused by her stepfather.
“For 14 years sometimes I was raped twice a day. I was terrified of my stepfather and terrified of telling,” said Williams.
For years, Williams kept quiet. She worried he would hurt her mother. Now, Williams says if he were still alive, she would be ready. Williams is founder of Voice Today, an organization that provides awareness and advocates on behalf of sexual abuse victims.
“Today at 49 years old I have the courage, but I don’t have the right to go into the courts.”
Justin Conway was abused by his coach when he was 12. He tried to go to court when he was 35, but by then it was too late.
“I came forward with the knowledge that people that abuse children go to prison, and that’s just not the truth in the state of Georgia,” Conway said.
If the bill was approved, it would also provide a two year window for those who were previously too old to file suit to sue their abusers.
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