By Edward Mason
Staff writer for Eagle Tribune
BOSTON – Childhood sex abuse victims will have nearly double the length of time to report they’ve been attacked under a bill House and Senate lawmakers approved yesterday.
The bill, which goes to the governor for his signature, extends from 15 years to 27 years the statute of limitations for reporting to authorities sex crimes against children. The bill also extends the time limit indefinitely for victims who can provide evidence of a crime to prosecutors.
It also would toughen requirements for releasing sex offenders from prison, such as requiring their level of dangerousness to be established before they are allowed out.
A spokesman for Gov. Mitt Romney said the governor agrees with the bill in principal but is reviewing it.
“The governor supported lifting the statute of limitations entirely but believes this bill is a step in the right direction,” said spokesman Felix Browne. “And we’ve long advocated for the registration of sex offenders prior to their release, which is another feature of this bill.”
Sen. Steven Baddour, D-Methuen, said the bill would make it easier to prosecute abusers. Victims don’t come forward on average until they are in their mid-40s, and now they have more time to report crimes.
“We’ve finally given prosecutors the tools to go after sexual predators,” Baddour said. “This will finally allow victims who’ve been afraid to bring these accusations forward to do so. This is a victims’ rights bill.”
The bill was the subject of fierce debate between the Senate, which favored eliminating the statute of limitations, and the House, which preferred a short extension.
Rep. Barbara L’Italien, an Andover Democrat who favored eliminating the statute of limitations, said the compromise bill was overdue.
“I’m glad the House and Senate were able to come to understanding,” L’Italien said. “Government needs to be about protecting the best interests of innocent victims.”
Victims’ rights advocates had pushed to eliminate the statute of limitations on sex abuse altogether.
Debbie Savoia, a North Andover mother and victims’ rights advocate, launched a public campaign to pressure lawmakers to act on the bill, which was left unfinished at the end of the Legislature’s formal session July 31.
She said the bill represents a good start that lawmakers can build on in the future.
“It is definitely progress,” Savoia said. “You can always work off of this.”
Rep. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, said the bill is better than current law but hopes this is a step toward lifting reporting limits in the future.
“We shouldn’t be giving any added protection to people who hurt children,” Finegold said.
The legislation, while having its roots in the clergy sex abuse scandal, was controversial.
Critics of eliminating the statute of limitations contended it would make it nearly impossible for people accused of being abusers to defend themselves. Supporters said victims often don’t confront their assailants until decades have passed.
The bill also requires sex offenders to register with the state 10 days before they are released from prison. It requires lifetime community parole supervision for Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders who don’t register.
Level 3 offenders, the most dangerous, also are barred from living in nursing homes, and Level 2 offenders would have to wear Global Positioning System devices while on probation or parole.
Sen. Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, said the measure allows the state to better account for the convicted offenders when they’re released.
“It makes sense not to take a chance on the loss of accountability between release and (a sex offender’s) entrance into the community,” Tarr said.
