Aug. 16, 2018
HARRISBURG – Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne) issued the following statement in response to the release of the grand jury report by the Pennsylvania attorney general earlier this week:
“We need to rip off the cloak of silence and address the civil and criminal statute of limitations. There are victims today that were silenced years ago and they deserve their day in court. Now is the time for the community to contact their legislators and tell them what you want us to change. We are your voice.
“This report is horrifying and beyond criminal. The fact that victims were coerced and silenced to protect the institution is heart-wrenching. We must address the fact that many times families and victims were persuaded against finding justice with law enforcement and the district attorney.
“Currently, victims out there believe they cannot come forward because of these silencing agreements. This is just wrong. I am a ‘yes’ vote in changing this law to add clarifying language so victims can read their rights in black and white.
“The statute of limitations, both civilly and criminally, should not apply to these adults who were abused as children. The average age of someone coming out about being abused is age 50. The statute of limitations needs to afford redress to these victims.
“Please contact my office with your questions and concerns regarding the grand jury report.”
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives