I am a survivor. For a year, I suffered severe abuse in a so-called "school" for troubled teens. The path to recovery from such sinister experiences is long, tortuous and complex. Like me, there are countless others out there, unable to voice their pain due to fear, trauma and the shrewd manipulation of their abusers. Many wait in silence for a ray of hope, but by the time they finally find the strength to speak out and seek justice, they find the doors of justice sealed by the statute of limitations.

The Child Victim Act of 2019 has been a breakthrough, offering solace and recourse to countless victims of sexual abuse. However, it alone is not enough as it does not cover all forms of child abuse - institutionalized abuse, physical and mental abuse, religious abuse are among the neglected areas. Moreover, due to the fear and manipulation tactics of their abusers, victims often don't open up about their sufferings until much later in life, by which time the statute of limitations may have expired.

Here's a harsh reality - some of my abusers now hold high positions as elected officials and are directors of the very same school where I endured the torment. The current statute of limitations - 10 years - does not consider the reality of the mental manipulation and trauma faced by victims.

We are urging the law makers to extend the Child Victim Act to all forms of child abuse. In order to ensure that no child victim is left unheard, and that every perpetrator, no matter how powerful, answers for their actions, we must act now. This is not just about vindication, but about validation and healing. Your signature could be a step forward in this. It will mean a lot to numerous anonymous faces, still bearing the weight of their untold stories. It's high time we extend the reach of justice. Please sign this petition to make a change.