My name is Kathryn, a survivor of child abuse for over a decade of my life. From the age of three, I was a victim to the cruel acts of my stepfather who also raped his own biological daughter. My mother was fully aware of this heinous act, yet she chose to stand beside the perpetrator, even in court battles that followed, resulting in marrying the monster who became my worst nightmare.

This narrative is not uncommon. Imagine being a young child, robbed of innocence, trust, and safety by someone you should be able to trust the most. Imagine being paralyzed by fear, afraid to speak out, afraid of the threats to kill your mother, the physical abuses even the slightest resistance invites. Then imagine finally summoning the courage years later only to be confronted with two words - 'statute of limitations.' This supposedly protective law meant to act as a shield for fairness oftentimes serves as a safe haven for those who perpetrate child abuse, allowing them to walk free even when the truth emerges years later – as it often does.

Statistical data suggest that around 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse at some point in childhood, but it is estimated that only 38% of child victims disclose the fact that they have been sexually abused. Some never disclose (London, K., Bruck, M., et al. 2003).

How many victims of child abuse are silenced by the fear of not being believed, intimidated by their abusers, or overwhelmed by the trauma? And how many finally find their voice as adults, only to be told that they've waited too long, that the system designed to protect them does not apply due to some arbitrary time limit?

It's high time we question – should there be an expiration date on justice? On holding child abusers accountable for their horrifying acts? The answer is no.

We implore you to support our cause to remove the statute of limitations for child abuse cases. Our voice matters. Our story matters. It’s time for justice to matter, regardless of when the cry for it is heard.

Please, sign and share this petition. Let's pave the way for justice to be available for every child abuse survivor, no matter how long it took them to speak out.