Lt. Governor Carney Joins Coalition In Supporting S.B. 29 - The Child Victim's Act

Dover - Lt. Governor John Carney has joined a growing number of elected officials, business people, private citizens and groups calling for the passage of Senate Bill 29 - The Child Victim's Act.

The legislation will be considered by the Senate Health and Social Service Committee tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2 p.m. in the Senate Hearing Room.

The bill, authored by Sen. Karen Peterson and co-sponsored by Sen. David McBride, Rep. Deborah Hudson and many others in the Senate and the House, would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse of children, giving those children the chance to speak up in a way they have been unable to. Current Delaware law allows victims of child sexual abuse two years from the date of the abuse to pursue a civil remedy. This bill would create a two-year window in which victims could bring a civil action in cases now barred by law.

"This bill is about protecting children and giving them a voice they don't currently have," said Carney. "Senator Peterson has authored a bill that recognizes the rights of children and holds those who would harm children responsible for their actions. It's the right thing to do."

Under the proposed legislation, victims would be able to bring a civil suit against their abusers and any organization found negligent in its responsibility to protect children. Both would be held responsible for civil damages. The bill also includes significant safeguards to protect the interests of institutions that have acted in good faith to shield children from sexual abuse.

The need for such legislation is clear considering available statistics. According to a national survey, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before age 18. Persons under 18 years of age account for 67% of all sexual assault victimizations reported to law enforcement agencies, while children under 12 account for 34% and children under six account for 14%.

"The statistics are staggering," Carney said. "This is a fair, balanced effort to protect our children. I urge the members of the General Assembly to put our children first and pass this bill."

Information on the bill and the growing coalition supporting its passage can be found at http://www.ChildVictimsVoice.com.