Deondra Brown, member of classical piano quintet The 5 Browns and president of The Foundation for Survivors of Abuse, testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 17 in favor of House Bill 279, Statute of Limitations Reform Amendments.
This bill allows child sexual abuse victims to bring a civil action against an alleged perpetrator by providing a window to age 53 for such actions. This expansion adds to and improves upon similar legislation that was passed by the Utah Legislature last session.
With Brown’s support along with that of many others, the bill passed the committee favorably and will move on to be presented to the House of Representatives.
“I am pleased with the progress that was made today for victims of sexual abuse in Utah who have been barred from seeking justice from their perpetrators,” said Brown. “HB 279 will allow those whose civil statute of limitations have expired to have a window to civilly prosecute their abusers and seek help paying for a lifetime of costs that are a byproduct of the abuse. It only makes sense that the burden should fall on the perpetrator and not on the victim.”
Brown and The Foundations for Survivors of Abuse will continue to be actively involved and support this bill as it moves through the legislative process.
For more information about The Foundation for Survivors of Abuse, please visit survivingabuse.org.
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