“Childhood sexual abuse has a horrendous personal impact on victims and their families. We hope to better understand how all of society is affected by these crimes by hearing from experts about the services and support that are provided by government agencies and non-profit organizations.”
M.E.D.I.A A.D.V.I.S.O.R.Y for 10:00 a.m. F.R.I.D.A.Y A.P.R.I.L 29, 2011
WHO: NY State Assembly Codes Committee,
Chairman Joseph Lentol and Assemblywoman Margaret Markey
WHAT: Public Hearing on Child Sexual Abuse Bill and
NY State Statute of Limitations
WHEN: 10:00 am to 12 Noon, Friday, April 29, 2011
WHERE: Assembly Hearing Room, Room 1923, 19th Floor, State Office Building, 250 Broadway, Lower Manhattan, New York City
BACKGROUND: Assemblywoman Markey’s Child Victims Act of New York (A5488) would extend the current NY State civil and criminal statute of limitations on child sexual abuse crimes. Those testifying at this hearing will speak about the impact of these crimes on victims and their families as well as the economic cost to government and society.
They will speak about the range of support and services that are provided by public agencies and non-profit organizations, often throughout the lifetime of victims. Among those who will speak to the committee or present written testimony are:
· Dr. Ted Miller of Public Services Research Institute (PIRE), co-author, National Institute for Justice report and other studies on economic cost of crime victimization;
· Henry Miller, past president, NYS Bar Association and author of recent Bar Journal article on statute of limitations laws;
· former Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham and an official from the office of current District Attorney Seth Williams;
· John Jay College psychologist Cynthia Culkins Mercado;
· Professor Marci Hamilton, Cardozo Law School of Yeshiva University, author and expert on statute of limitations laws in America;
· A representative of Queens County District Attorney Richard Brown;
· And leaders from Safe Horizon, Downstate Coalition of Crime Victims, Mt. Sinai Adolescent Health Center, NYC Alliance Against Sexual Abuse, among others.
Assemblywoman Markey said: “Childhood sexual abuse has a horrendous personal impact on victims and their families. We hope to better understand how all of society is affected by these crimes by hearing from experts about the services and support that are provided by government agencies and non-profit organizations.”
For media information call: Michael Armstrong, 718-651-3185, 917-279-8437