When I was ten years old, my sixth grade teacher sexually abused me and my two best friends – on many occasions. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned he had abused many, many, other children, but was never held accountable for his crimes. By that time the statute of limitations had passed and none of us could press charges against him.

Stand with survivors and demand that Washington State abolish the statute of limitations for felony sex crimes.

Childhood victims of abuse often don’t report their abuse because their abusers threaten them, they don’t understand what is happening to them, or fear not being believed. For many, the strength to pursue justice comes only after counseling or therapy in their adulthood. How can we then bar victims from seeking justice once they are older, and better equipped to speak about past abuse?

My abuser still lives in my hometown and has worked with children through his church. A background check will reveal that he is not a registered sex offender. He couldn't possibly be... all the victims we know about have been time-barred from seeking justice by the statute of limitations.

It’s time to stop protecting abusers and pass House Bill 1155, which would eliminate the statute of limitations for felony sexual assault offenses.

This bill is part of a nation-wide movement to change our justice system to better serve survivors. Already, New York, California and several other states have abolished their statutes of limitations – now it’s Washington’s turn.

Call on Washington legislators to stand on the right side of history. Sign the petition today.