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Legal
LEGAL ARIZONA LAW GIVES VICTIMS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE A NEW HOPE
By Robert E. Pastor conclusively shows people with a his- The complexities surrounding child child sexual abuse. Under the new law, tory of childhood sexual abuse have sexual abuse and the trauma that victims of child sexual abuse have until
It can take decades for survivors of an increased risk of major depres- victims endure is just one reason why December 31, 2020. It does not matchild sexual abuse to share their se- sion, suicide attempt, alcohol or drug Arizona changed the statute of limita- ter how long it has been or how old a cret and break the silence. Arizona dependence, social anxiety, eating dis- tions for victims of child sexual abuse. victim is, under the new law, victims of law now recognizes that victims of orders, sexual dysfunction, rape after child sexual abuse can take back their sexual abuse need time to process and the age of 18 and divorce throughout A statute of limitations is like a voice and seek the justice they deserve. understand what happened to them. their lives. legal stopwatch that counts down the time to file criminal charges or a By taking action against perpetrators Adults who have suffered child sexual Elliot Nelson et al., Association Be- civil lawsuit. There are often differ- and the institutions that covered for abuse may experience a variety of tween Self-Reported Childhood Sexual ent statutes of limitations for different them, victims can expose perpetrators symptoms throughout their lives or in Abuse and Adverse Psychosocial Out- types of cases. It is important to know and expose the cover up. Civil actions chronic episodes. Survivors of sexual comes: Results from a Twin Study, 59 when the clock starts ticking, when will also protect other children beabuse often suffer deep seeded shame, guilt and self-blame that often leads to depression and anxiety. Survivors of abuse may develop a belief that they Archives of General Psychiatry, 139, 139-145 (2002). Studies also show child sexual abuse can lead to sexual dysfunctions, sexual compulsion, con-Get the clock stops ticking and whether anything restarts the clock. The new law in Arizona gives victims of child sexual abuse more time to take legal Your cause these institutions now know that they are not above the law. Robert E. Pastor is an attorney with Kids caused the sexual abuse or that they fusion and struggles over gender and action and for some victims, it restarts the law firm of Montoya, Lucero & deserved the abuse. No child causes or deserves to be sexually abused. These beliefs may lead to self-destructing or sabotaging relationships. As children and as adults, survivors of sexual sexual identity, homophobia, problems with intimacy, guilt, self-blame, low self-esteem, negative self-images, and increased anger. David Lisak, The Psychological Impact of Sexual the clock - but for a limited time. The new law now gives victims until age 30 to file civil suits; an additional 12 years. Pastor, PA. Mr. Pastor has been representing and advocating for victims of child sexual abuse and sexual assault for more than sixteen years. He understands the needs of survivors of sexual Outside!! abuse may experience intrusive or Abuse: Content Analysis of Interviews abuse and the importance of exposing recurring thoughts, nightmares or even with Male Survivors, 7 J. Of Traumat- The new law also restarts the statute the truth for his clients and for the flashbacks about the abuse. Research ic Stress, 525, 525-544 (1994). Want to reduce of limitations clock for victims of safety of all our children. Are you a victim of sexual abuse? screen )me for your kids and get some Get Your Kids fresh air? Are you Arizona recently passed a new law to help victims of looking for fun ac)vi)es to do all Outside! child sexual abuse. year long right here Contact our offi ce to in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog Want to reduce screen ti me for your kids and get some fresh air? Are you looking for fun acti viti es learn more. for ar<cles highligh<ng fun to do all year long right here in our state? Check out Ladybug’s Blog for Arizona adventures arti cles highlighti ng fun Arizona Robert E. Pastor for the whole family! adventures for the whole family! Tiffani E. Lucero 3200 N. Central Ave., Ste. 2550 ladybugsblog.com Phoenix, Arizona 85012 602-279-8969 ladybugsblog.com Dedicated to getti ng Arizona kids outdoors and excited about nature, science and the world outside.
Dedicated to ge+ng Arizona kids outdoors and 8 • November 2019 • UPPER WESTSIDER yourupperwestsider.comexcited about nature, science and the world outside.
