Recognizing SNAP on its 27th Anniversary

Floor Speech

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Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize SNAP (Survivors of Those Abused by Priests) on the occasion of their 27th Anniversary, which they will celebrate at their annual conference here in Washington D.C., July 31-Aug 2.

Founded in 1988 by my fellow Chicagoan, Barbara Blaine, SNAP is a self-help support group for those who were sexually violated--whether by clergy, family members, trusted adults, or strangers. Barbara is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse by a member of the clergy. SNAP has become a voice for childhood sexual abuse prevention, awareness and healing in our community. Today, SNAP is an international organization with members in all 50 states and in 71 countries, with over 70 chapters organized throughout the United States and across the world.

Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control estimates that one in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. Only one in 10 children ever tells anyone.

The median age when a victim discloses childhood sexual abuse is 40. One of the most important public policy developments in this country has been the effort to reform the statutes of limitations laws in states.

SNAP is working to bring a voice and justice to victims and survivors by working to reform a legal system that has imposed inadequately short civil statutes of limitations. Those arbitrary deadlines prevent most victims from ever getting through the courthouse doors to present their evidence and make their case.

Typically, victims of child sexual abuse have only five years after they've turned 18 to pursue civil legal remedies for the justice they seek. That means that after age 23, survivors of childhood sexual abuse are prohibited from seeking legal recourse against their abusers, and it can mean that child sexual predators are allowed to live freely among us.

In 2013, I am proud to report, the state of Illinois enacted legislation to remove criminal and civil statute of limitations for sex offenses that occurred when the victim was under 18 years of age. The new law removes the statute of limitations for child sex abuse that occurs on or after January 1, 2014.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge SNAP and all their volunteer leaders, who give so much of themselves to help others. Protecting children and preventing sexual abuse of children is a worthy effort we all can support.

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