Survivors of childhood sexual abuse ask Missouri Attorney General, lawmakers for change • Missouri Independent
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse ask Missouri Attorney General, lawmakers for change • Missouri Independent Missouri Independent
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Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Advocate for Change in Missouri
Introduction
A group of survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Missouri is urging state lawmakers to revise existing laws to provide victims with more time to sue their assailants. They are also calling for increased oversight of boarding schools and camps by the attorney general. The survivors, along with advocates, gathered outside the Missouri Supreme Court building to share their stories and demand justice.
Extending the Statute of Limitations
The survivors testified in a Missouri Senate committee, supporting a bill that aims to extend the statute of limitations for filing civil actions. Currently, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a civil suit against perpetrators until the age of 31, and against other defendants until the age of 26. However, there is no statute of limitations for criminal cases of rape. The proposed constitutional amendment seeks to align the time limits for civil actions with those for criminal prosecutions.
Advocacy for Oversight
In addition to advocating for an extension of the statute of limitations, the survivors delivered a letter to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, urging him to investigate camps and boarding schools that have been accused of abuse. The letter specifically mentions Agape School in Stockton, Circle of Hope Ranch in Humansville, and Kanakuk Kamps in Branson. The survivors believe that increased oversight of these facilities will lead to widespread change in the child-boarding industry.
Impact and Significance
The survivors and advocates argue that the trauma of childhood sexual abuse often prevents victims from speaking out for many years. By extending the statute of limitations and providing survivors with more time to share their experiences through civil proceedings, they hope to encourage more individuals to come forward and expose abuse. They emphasize that institutions are unlikely to change unless there is a threat of liability.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring the physical and mental well-being of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – Addressing the gendered nature of childhood sexual abuse and advocating for justice for survivors.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Promoting access to justice for survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
Conclusion
The survivors of childhood sexual abuse in Missouri are fighting for legislative changes that would extend the statute of limitations for civil actions. They also demand increased oversight of boarding schools and camps to prevent future abuse. By sharing their stories and advocating for justice, these survivors hope to create a safer environment for children and bring about lasting change in the child-boarding industry.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The issues highlighted in the article revolve around childhood sexual abuse, the statute of limitations for filing civil suits against perpetrators, and the need for oversight of boarding schools and camps. These issues are connected to SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Childhood sexual abuse disproportionately affects girls and women, making SDG 5 relevant.
The issues also relate to SDG 16, which focuses on promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. The article discusses the need for changes in state law, oversight by the attorney general, and fair processes in handling cases of childhood sexual abuse. These elements align with the objectives of SDG 16.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all
- Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels
The article highlights the need to address childhood sexual abuse, which is a form of violence against girls and women. Target 5.2 aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, making it relevant to the issues discussed.
The article also emphasizes the importance of fair processes, access to justice, and oversight by institutions like the attorney general’s office. These elements align with Target 16.3, which promotes the rule of law and equal access to justice, and Target 16.6, which focuses on developing effective and accountable institutions.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months
- Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms
- Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services
The article does not explicitly mention indicators, but based on the identified targets, the following indicators can be used to measure progress:
Indicator 5.2.1 measures the proportion of women and girls who experience violence by a current or former intimate partner. This indicator can be used to assess progress in eliminating violence against women and girls.
Indicator 16.3.1 measures the proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or recognized mechanisms. This indicator can be used to evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of justice systems in addressing violence.
Indicator 16.6.2 measures the proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services. This indicator can be used to assess the effectiveness and accountability of institutions involved in addressing childhood sexual abuse.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all | Indicator 16.3.1: Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized mechanisms |
| Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels | Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of population satisfied with their last experience of public services |
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Source: missouriindependent.com
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