Survivors Advocate for Legislative Changes to Support Sexual Abuse Victims in Michigan
Sexual abuse survivors in Michigan are pushing for lawmakers to take action on bills that could provide crucial support to individuals who have experienced criminal sexual conduct. The proposed legislation aims to extend the statute of limitations for survivors to press charges and sue for the abuse they endured.
Dr. Airron Richardson, a survivor of abuse by University of Michigan athletics Dr. Robert Anderson, emphasized the significance of these bills for survivors. Richardson stated that the extended timeframe would allow survivors more time to process their experiences and gather the courage to come forward. Additionally, it would hold organizations accountable for their failure to address instances of abuse within their facilities.
Grace French, who survived abuse at the hands of disgraced Michigan State University Dr. Larry Nassar, highlighted the importance of the legislative package in preventing future cases of misconduct. By eliminating liability protections for institutions that neglect to prevent sexual abuse, the bills aim to ensure accountability and the implementation of necessary policies and procedures.
While the bills were initially introduced in the Michigan House over a year and a half ago, they recently gained momentum with the Michigan Senate’s approval. However, compromises were made during the process, including adjustments to the age limit for filing lawsuits related to past assaults.
Despite these advancements, the bills faced a setback when the Michigan House failed to vote on them due to a lack of quorum. This delay prompted criticism from survivors like Tad DeLuca, who condemned lawmakers for not prioritizing the protection of abuse victims.
Democrats in the House are anticipating full attendance for the upcoming session, with hopes of addressing the survivor-focused bills. The fate of these crucial legislative changes remains uncertain as they await further consideration by Michigan lawmakers.
