Jerry Sandusky, a former coach for the Penn State University football team, claims to have established his Second Mile charity to provide at-risk youth the support they needed to excel at school, athletics and in life. It appears, however, that Sandusky was using his position at the charity to find and molest the very boys he had pledged to help.
The details of the scandal at Penn State are still emerging, but the Pennsylvania Attorney General has charged Sandusky with 40 counts in the alleged abuse of eight boys. Two Penn State officials have also been charged with failing to report Sandusky's abuse to police.
Lawmakers Respond
In response to the Penn State scandal, Senator Barbara Boxer of California recently announced plans to introduce legislation requiring states to enact child abuse reporting laws. States that choose not to enact reporting laws would face a reduction in federal aid. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania recently introduced similar legislation.
The vast majority of states do not require all adults to report incidents of suspected child abuse or neglect to the police. Typically, in the states that do have some kind of reporting requirement, only those in certain professions - such as teachers, child care providers, physicians and attorneys - are under an obligation to report. According to Senator Casey, requiring all adults to report suspected child abuse to the police sends the message that it is every adult's responsibility to stop child abuse.
The Senate has yet to act on either Boxer's or Casey's proposed legislation, but both proposals are a step in the right direction.
In Pennsylvania, legislation(House Bill 832) has been introduced that would open a window of 2 years to bring a civil lawsuit for damages as a result of childhood sexual abuse. This would allow victims whose abuse occurred decades ago an opportunity to hold the criminal offender accountable in a court of law. It would also extend the general statute of limitations for bringing a civil action for childhood sexual abuse to age 50. No action has been taken on these bills which have remained in the House Judiciary Committee since they were introduced in February of this year.
Sexual Abuse Causes Serious Injury
Childhood sexual abuse can cause severe psychological, physical and emotional injuries to both victims and their families. What is worse, many victims are hesitant to come forward for fear that authorities will not believe their stories. The scars from this abuse can last a lifetime.
An Attorney Can Help
Fortunately, victims of childhood sexual abuse may be able to bring claims against their abusers, even many years after the abuse occurs. Do not suffer in silence. If you or someone you love was the victim of child abuse, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.
