Sexual Abuse - Feeney Law Firm

Investigation Finds Southern Baptist Leaders Covered Up Sex Abuse Claims

Christina Feeney — Wed, 25 May 2022 16:57:40 +0000

A third-party investigation, done at the request of Southern Baptists, found that for almost twenty years, leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention were ignoring claims regarding a sexual abuse epidemic within the community.

The post Investigation Finds Southern Baptist Leaders Covered Up Sex Abuse Claims appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Kentucky Governor Signs New Child Abuse Bills into Law but State Still Falls Short

Brett Katsma — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 13:05:45 +0000

In April of 2021, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed House Bill 254 into law which enhances the penalties against predators who possess, view or distribute sexually exploitive material of a child younger than 12, making it a Class C felony and raising it to a Class B felony for subsequent offenses.

The post Kentucky Governor Signs New Child Abuse Bills into Law but State Still Falls Short appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Iowa Governor Signs Bill to Remove the Criminal SOL for Child Sex Abuse Victims

Brett Katsma — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 16:35:07 +0000

In May, Governor Kim Reynolds of Iowa, signed Senate File 562 into law which removes the criminal statute of limitations for sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor. Previously the law required that criminal charges be filed within 15 years of the victim turning 18, or age 33.

The post Iowa Governor Signs Bill to Remove the Criminal SOL for Child Sex Abuse Victims appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill Providing Victims of Sexual Abuse Relief from Filing Deadlines

Brett Katsma — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 13:09:07 +0000

Following overwhelming support and being passed by the Louisiana Legislative Committee in May , the Louisiana Senate unanimously voted, 32-0, to remove the statute of limitations for child sex abuse victims to pursue civil claims in court. In addition, the passage of House Bill 492, also opens a 3-year revival window, allowing survivors with older child sex abuse claims that may have previously been time-barred, to bring a claim in court, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

The post Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill Providing Victims of Sexual Abuse Relief from Filing Deadlines appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Older Survivors of Sexual Abuse Will Have to Wait for Statute Changes

Brett Katsma — Wed, 26 May 2021 19:34:20 +0000

Connecticut’s current civil statute of limitations law (SOL) for childhood sexual abuse leaves older victims of abuse without an avenue to pursue justice because their claims are time-barred by the law. Unfortunately, those survivors will have to wait at least another year to see if any impactful changes will be made to those statute of limitations laws since no bill to change the SOL was introduced to the state legislature in the 2020 session.

The post Older Survivors of Sexual Abuse Will Have to Wait for Statute Changes appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Sexual Abuse Reform Bills Currently in Massachusetts’ Legislature

Brett Katsma — Fri, 21 May 2021 15:43:07 +0000

Several Bills have been filed by Massachusetts Senate and House leaders to open up avenues to civil justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. A number of these Bills propose removing the civil statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse and opening up a permanent revival window for time-barred claims.

The post Sexual Abuse Reform Bills Currently in Massachusetts’ Legislature appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Bill Extending Time for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Passes Committee in Louisiana

Brett Katsma — Thu, 13 May 2021 15:06:47 +0000

Bill 492 received overwhelming support and passed the Louisiana Legislative Committee and will now head to the Louisiana State Legislature House of Representatives. The Bill extends the statute of limitations (SOL) for sexual abuse survivors to 35 years after the victim’s 18th birthday.

The post Bill Extending Time for Sexual Abuse Lawsuits Passes Committee in Louisiana appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Pennsylvania Legislators Take Two-Track Approach to Open Revival Window for Child Sex Abuse Survivors

Brett Katsma — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:22:10 +0000

After a serious ‘blunder’ by Pennsylvania’s Department of State earlier this month, Pennsylvania legislators look to pass a new bill that would allow child sex abuse victims a two-year ‘window’ to file civil claims in court against both public and private entities.

The post Pennsylvania Legislators Take Two-Track Approach to Open Revival Window for Child Sex Abuse Survivors appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Lawyers for Sexual Abuse Victims say $300 Million Offered by Boy Scouts Falls Short

Brett Katsma — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 12:15:18 +0000

The Boy Scouts of America has offered to fund a trust with at least $300 million to compensate child sex abuse victims. The offer is part of a reorganization plan submitted by the Boy Scouts after filing for bankruptcy in 2020. The money will come from local councils, insurance policies and the sale of a collection of Norman Rockwell paintings.

The post Lawyers for Sexual Abuse Victims say $300 Million Offered by Boy Scouts Falls Short appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.

Rhode Island Passes Law Helping Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

Brett Katsma — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 14:09:24 +0000

On August 9, 2019, Governor Gina M. Raimondo held a ceremony, signing into law a new childhood sexual abuse statute of limitations reform. The reform gives victims of childhood sexual abuse a major victory, which will allow more survivors, particularly those who are older, the ability to hold their abusers accountable for their actions.

The post Rhode Island Passes Law Helping Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors appeared first on Feeney Law Firm.