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Governor encourages sex abuse victims to make their voices heard
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Posted on Nov 19 2021
Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres is encouraging victims of sexual abuse to step up and make their voice heard.
Speaking at his regular radio press briefing last Friday, Torres said he just signed into Public Law 21-12 a bill authored by Rep. Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero (R-Saipan) that removes the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims.
“We need to focus on the victims,” said Torres, adding that the government is here to protect them.
He said it’s a very touchy subject, but to the community and all family members of the victims, they should not forget that this law is intended to protect the victims. “It has always been about protecting victims,” the governor said.
The bill amends the Commonwealth Code to authorize civil claims for child sexual abuse to be commenced at any time. Guerrero said this bill addresses the statute of limitation to include filing civil lawsuit against all defendants that took advantage of defenseless individuals just for the perpetrators’ gratification.
Guerrero encourages victims of sexual assault to speak out. “There is no shame at all to hold accountable the perpetrators for the pain, scares, depression and expenses for victims who, for years, found it difficult to let go and move on with their lives,” the lawmaker said.
