Emmer-Supported Bill to Bring Child Sex Abusers to Justice Passes House

Press Release

This week, the Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act passed the House of Representatives with the support of Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06).

One in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old. Additionally, 34% of people who sexually abuse a child are family members, often complicating the reporting and justice process.

Emmer said, "When the most vulnerable among us are victimized, they are too often forced to suffer in silence."

"I am proud to join this effort to empower survivors and finally bring the perpetrators of these horrific crimes to justice," Emmer concluded.

Background

Federal civil law currently sets a statute of limitations in child sex abuse cases of either ten years after the discovery of abuse or until a victim turns 28 years old.

The Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act will remove this statute of limitations, allowing young victims of sexual abuse or exploitation to recover damages left unclaimed due to fear or shame.

Emmer has been a longtime advocate for victims of sexual assault and abuse. In March of this year, Emmer's Abby Honold Act was signed into law. This bill provides federal funding for law enforcement to receive training in evidence-based, trauma-informed care. You can read more about the Abby Honold Act here.

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