Dear Chairman Creedon and Chairman O’Flaherty:

 I write in support of Senate Bill 1058/House Bill 3555, “An Act to Amend the Criminal Statute of Limitations.”

There is nothing more important than protecting our children.  I have spent a career working to protect children and I believe it is time to make Massachusetts laws reflect the realities of sex crimes against children. I have looked in the faces of the victims of sexual abuse and seen first hand the anguish in their eyes.  This is anguish that – as psychological studies show time and time again – often is repressed or goes unreported for years.  The nature of sex crimes and the psychological impact to the victims of these crimes can often result in delayed memory and reporting.  In many cases, this delay coupled with the statute of limitations prevents prosecutors from bringing the perpetrator to justice.  

My most recent direct experience dealing with statutes of limitations in child sex abuse cases came with my office’s comprehensive grand jury investigation and report into sexual abuse of children by priests in the Archdiocese of Boston.  At all times throughout that investigation, my office was mindful of the statute of limitations.  While some individual cases of alleged sexual abuse of children were referred to the appropriate district attorneys for possible prosecution; many of the allegations had surpassed the statutes of limitations and prosecution was not possible.

 While the legislature has extended the statute of limitations over the years for certain crimes of sexual abuse, particularly against children, the nature of these crimes – and of their perpetrators – make it appropriate to take action and eliminate the statute of limitations altogether for these crimes.  Not only do psychological studies consistently confirm that victims of sexual abuse often repress the memories of their abuse resulting in delayed reporting of the crime; there is overwhelming evidence that the perpetrators of these crimes have a high risk of recidivism.  Given this fact, allowing perpetrators of sex crimes to go without prosecution places more children at risk.  I urge you to take the steps many other states have taken to protect children and eliminate the statute of limitations.    

I strongly urge this committee to report Senate Bill 1058/House Bill 3555 favorably.  Please do not hesitate to contact my office if I, or my staff may be of any assistance as you consider this important piece of legislation.  

Sincerely,  

Thomas F. Reilly