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"Thanks to you for your courage, Elizabeth"

- Linda Fairstein, Former NY County Prosecutor and Best-Selling Crime Novelist

 

june 6, 2010

Delaware

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish is a member of the Child Victims Voice Coalition of Delaware (www.childvictimsvoice.com) and a founding member of the National Survivor Advocates Coalition (http://www.nsacoalition.org).  She has testified before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees in support of Senate Bill 29 which was signed into Delaware law on July 10, 2007 and has been actively involved in advocating for legislative reform on the state level since 2002.  Below is the letter she recently sent on behalf of House Bill 1523. 

Robert DeLeo
Speaker of the House of Representatives
State House
Boston, Massachusetts 02133  

May 25, 2010  

Dear Speaker DeLeo,  

I am a member of the Child Victims Voice Coalition of Delaware
(www.childvictimsvoice.com) and a founding member of the National Survivor
Advocates Coalition (http://www.nsacoalition.org).   I am also on the steering
committees of the Philadelphia and Delaware affiliates of the national group,
Voice of the Faithful (www.votfgp.org) and a board member of DACOA, the Delaware
Association for Children of Alcoholics (www.dacoa.org).

I testified before the Senate and House Judiciary Committees in support of
Senate Bill 29 which was signed into Delaware law on July 10, 2007 and have been
actively involved in advocating for legislative reform on the state level since
2002 and I strongly urge you to support Massachusetts House bill 1523 which will
better protect all the children of the Commonwealth.   

I have spoken recently on National Public Radio on the importance of giving no
accommodation in law to any religious denomination or non-profit institution
that does more to enable, shield or protect known sexual predators than to
childhood victims of sexual abuse  by anyone.  

http://whyy.org/cms/radiotimes/2010/04/12/holding-clergy-and-church-leaders-legally-accountable-for-child-abuse/  


There simply are no arguments compelling enough to persuade good people to
oppose legislation whose goal is to hold sexual predators accountable and allow
victims of childhood sexual abuse the access to justice which is their right as
citizens.   

The sexual exploitation of children is a major epidemic in our United States. 
One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18
whether that abuse is committed by a parent, teacher, doctor, rabbi, priest, nun
or stranger.  

It is a heinous and reprehensible crime against the body and soul of a child
with serious and long lasting effects.  Unfortunately, a significant percentage
of individuals injured in this way cannot cope with some of these effects and
take their own lives.  I have met parents whose sons were sexually abused. 
Those parents lost their sons because their adult children could not get over
it, could not get on with their lives and ended up taking their own lives.  

Such crimes are committed by individuals from all segments of society and they
all cry out to God for justice.  

Cardinal William Keeler of Baltimore, Maryland described sexual abuse as murder
of the soul and it truly is.  It is fitting therefore, that there be no statutes
of limitation, criminally or civilly, in regard to the sexual abuse of children,
no matter who the perpetrators may be or what positions they may hold.  Child
abuse is the act of a coward bent on exercising his or her power and control
over a helpless and pliant child.  

The egregious and heinous crime that childhood sexual is should propel those of
us in public service and church ministry to do all we can to protect our
children and hold those accountable who would shelter and protect the sexual
predators who would harm them, no matter the cost in institutional reputation or
credibility.  

Leaders of religious organizations in a number of states are mounting strong
opposition to any changes in states statutes of limitation regarding the sexual
abuse of children. 

Such behavior by any religious group is outrageous and reprehensible. 

There are no reasons and no extenuating circumstances that could ever justify or
rationalize any institution, public or private, or any religious denomination,
not actively supporting attempts to bring childhood sexual abuse legislation
into the 21st century.  

Window legislation is not anti any particular group but it is very much
pro-child.  It forces records, if they exist and have not been destroyed, to be
made available in a court of justice and hopefully into the public venue as
well.  

Arbitrary statutes of limitation have protected sexual predators and enabling
institutions for too long.  It is time they were removed.  Delaware now has no
statutes of limitation, criminally or civilly, in regard to childhood sexual
abuse and our 2007 Child Victims Law also opened a two year window for bringing
forward previously time barred cases by anyone, no matter what public, private
or religious affiliation attaches.  

The time to protect all children is now.  

House Bill 1523 is a strong bill crafted to hold all institutions, public and
private, in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts accountable for their actions.  

I implore you, as a legislator in Massachusetts, to be very wary about accepting
claims made by members of any religious institution, their spokesmen or their
representatives that would attempt to connect passage of House Bill 1523 with
the closing of churches, parishes, social services or outreach programs because
it simply is not true and no denomination has produced proof that would support
the waves of disinformation that have been circulated in the media.  

Vicious opposition to the passage of any laws or the removal of any statutes of
limitation regarding childhood sexual abuse of children has been the pattern
employed by some leaders of religious institutions in a number of states
including New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, Wisconsin and Colorado.  

There should be no accommodation in law that gives more protection to sexual
predators of children and the enablers who conspired to protect them, then to
the very real victims of childhood sexual abuse.  

In all good conscience, I strongly encourage you, as a member of the
Massachusetts Legislature, to support criminal and civil laws that are as strong
as possible in holding accountable the sexual predators of our children together
with any enabling individuals or institutions who were complicit in their
protection.  

Support House Bill 1523.  

I have spoken before the legislature in support of Delawares 2007 Child Victims
Law and I would be more then happy to testify in support of Massachusetts Child
Victims bill if it would be helpful.  

God bless you for all the work you do,
 

Sister Maureen Paul Turlish
Victims Advocate
25-E Highland Blvd.
New Castle, Delaware 19720-6925

10:55 am edt 

april 4, 2010

My response to Rep Alice Wolf :
 
Alice,
Thank you so much for getting back to me regarding House Bill 1523.  I would like to clarify - I am in no means interested in the civil side of the law.  I am interested in the statute of limitations placed on the crime of rape in our criminal courts.  The Committee has not repealed the statute.  The Committee certainly has been requested to do so several times, especially in the last 5 years, but for some reason seems resistant to the information provided to them.  The law as it stands today, allows a 27 year window to report the crime of rape for any child under 16. 
Most laws in the Commonwealth define a minor as anyone under the age of 18, so why would one of the most important laws governing our children (aka minors) be cut off at the age of 16?  Which is technically 15 because the law states "below the age of 16". 
I am living proof that this time limit the legislation has so arbitrarily placed on the public is counterproductive to making our streets a safer place!  I was raped one week to the day from my 16th birthday.  Had I been raped just 8 days prior, I would be seen as a minor under the law and would have a chance to remove a rapist from the street. 
I personally don't care how many times the Committee has to hear about this law - the frequency alone with which they see this bill should be a red flag!  They must repeal the statute of limitations for reporting the crime of rape and molestation!  I was willing to settle for the cut-off being age 18, but the Committee seems to want to deny that as well. 
It is not the job of the Legislation to determine whether a crime has been committed, that is what our court systems are for.  I and many other rape survivors are walking proof this law does nothing but keep good people from getting the trial they so deserve!  I started this process because I walked through my rape and the criminal case.  I witnessed a system that unwittingly protects the rights of the perpetrator while causing further anguish to an already traumatized victim.  I saw a problem and I brought this problem to the Legislators in an effort to come up with a collective solution for the safety of the Commonwealth, specifically our children. 
Thank you,
Elizabeth    
11:52 pm edt 

Response from Rep Alice Wolf :
Dear Elizabeth,
In investigating your concern about H 1523 being put in a study, I learned that the Committee feels that since the statute of limitations has been abolished previously on any criminal action, the Committee feels it is not necessary to pursue this on the civil side.
This is at least an explanation though it may not satisfy you.
Thank you for your deep concern,
Sincerely yours,
Alice Wolf
State Representative
11:50 pm edt 

march 23, 2010

My response to the JC's decision to place House 1523 into Study:
Date: Monday, March 22, 2010, 8:55 PM

Good afternoon,
I learned that House Bill 1523 has been recommended to Study Order.  By definition, this would lead one to believe that the Committee would like further investigation and "study" before a resolution is reached.  However, the fact is not many bills - if any at all - ever see any action once placed into study.  In other words, House Bill 1523 has taken a glorified trip to the recycle bin. 
I have a hard time putting my disappointment into words, mostly because I simply cannot wrap my brain around the Committee's decision against an extension on this bill at the very least.  I see it as a total lack of regard for what the majority of the Commonwealth wants. 
I am sending a certified letter this week to the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee requesting the following:
  • Why did the Committee take the action of placing the bill into study versus voting for an extension? 
  • If the Committee needed more time to reach resolution, an extension would have alleviated the April deadline.  I will never believe the Committee actually needs to see more data and/or research.  I and the hundreds of victims that have contacted me through my website are walking proof of why this bill needs to pass.  The Commonwealth has already compiled significant amounts of data and research regarding sexual victimization and the result on MA cities and towns.  In fact, the MA Executive Office of Public Safety and Security just published extensive data in April 2008. 
  • I am also requesting copies of all opposing testimony and the roll call vote, including names of Committee members in attendance and which way they voted.
I appreciate how busy Committee members are, but I would like this information as quickly as possible so the public can better prepare the piece of legislation that will meet the Committee's requirements in order to attain a favorable resolution. 
Thank you in advance for your time.  And thank you to all House and Senate members who did the right thing and supported House Bill 1523. 
Elizabeth 
1:23 pm edt 

october 27, 2009

JC Executive Session for House Bill 1523 to be held soon....
I emailed all of the members of the Judiciary Committee today:

On June 30, 2009 I testified before your Committee on behalf of House Bill 1523, filed by Representative Ronald Mariano.  This bill would repeal the statute of limitations for cases of childhood sexual abuse.  The Executive Session to determine the life of House Bill 1523 should be held soon. As a result, I wanted to contact the Committee in an effort to urge you to pass this bill along in the legislative process.  I plan on following up with a hard copy of this letter, as well as posting it to my web page. 

I am a survivor of a brutal rape at the hands of a stranger when I was just sixteen years old.  My rapist invaded my body and then he was gone.  My sense of self, safety and security was completely destroyed.  Even though the imminent threat of "him" fades, he still managed to invade my thoughts and my mind.  I walked around for many years a prisoner in my own mind.  The effects this rape had on me physically and emotionally were too much for my brain to process and I had to live in avoidance for years in order to function in life.  It is not the attacker that has the long-term hold over a survivor of rape - it is the aftermath the event leaves in its wake and the ripples it sends throughout your life and the lives of your loved ones. 

Our laws simply cannot continue to tell our children that when they do find the superhuman strength to come forward to try and confront their rape, "sorry, but it's too late".  And now you have to live with the fact that had you come forward earlier, you could have removed a rapist from the streets. 

With the advancements made with DNA and the mere existence of the COTIS system, there is reality to identifying a stranger rapist many years from the date of the crime, as well as generating cold hits.  It is unjust not to be able to prosecute solely because the statute of limitations has elapsed.  Closing the door on a victim who is trying to report a crime has been committed against them is simultaneously allowing a rapist back on the streets of the Commonwealth. 

We group rapists and murderers together in our prisons and refer to them in the same category of conversation.  Murder has no statute of limitations.  Rape needs to be the same.  A piece of me was murdered on that day and I know all other victims would agree. 
I have been on television and in the newspapers.  I have thousands of followers on my web page, www.voicebychoice.org, from all around the US as well as overseas.  I will produce signatures if that is what you need to see.  I personally think you need to stop wasting our tax dollars trying to argue a point that does not exist and abolish the statute of limitations on reporting the crime of rape of minors.  The majority of the Commonwealth believes the statute needs to go and our laws need to start reflecting what society wants. 

I will continue to push this issue in any way I can.  I know this is the right thing, not only for survivors of rape, but for our society as a whole.  We all benefit from removing rapists from the streets. 
Thank you in advance,
Elizabeth Holmes 

3:48 pm edt 

october 5, 2009

I'm back after a much-needed break from this :)

I took the summer off from this and although it seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye, it was a much needed break for me personally.  I have been in contact with the Judiciary Committee through Rep. Mariano's office and the hearing has not been scheduled to determine the life of House Bill 1523.  I made that 16 year old frightened little girl a promise that I would see this through to the end.  I only see positives for our society as a whole if this bill stays alive and eventually passes through our legislative system.  I believe in this bill and I will not accept anything less than an "ought to pass" verdict. 

I am writing a letter to all of the members of the JC to remind them of the importance of this cause and the absolute necessity of aligning our written laws with society's wishes.  Along with the letter, I am including a copy of my speech that I made on June 30 at the State House. 

The next step is to wait for the hearing schedule to be posted, which will give us the date when the Committee intends to vote on House 1523.  Thank you again for all of your continued support!

1:22 pm edt 

july 9, 2009

VIEW MY JC TESTIMONY ON WBZ-TV and NECN !

Please click the links below to view portions of my testimony in front of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on Tuesday, June 30th.  Thank you to Joe Shortsleeve and Channel 4 News, Brad Puffer and NECN, Senator Michael Morrissey and to the Joint Committee members for allowing my testimony.

http://wbztv.com/local/massachusetts.rape.laws.2.1066080.html


http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/06/30/Push-to-strengthen-sex/1246394097.html

5:09 pm edt 

june 14, 2009

WE DID IT - I AM TESTIFYING IN FRONT OF THE JC!!!!
The Judiciary Committee has accepted my request to testify on behalf on House Bill No. 1523!  I will be testifying on June 30th at 1PM at the State House.  Thank you to everyone for their continued support! 

Joe Shortsleeve and Channel 4 News plan on being in attendance for my testimony.  Thanks, Joe. Also, thank you to Chief Bill Conlon and Chief Dave Majenski, of the Brockton PD and Abington PD, respectively, for their continued support. 
4:13 pm edt 

june 3, 2009

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC)
I have accepted a position with BARCC as a Medical Advocate Volunteer!  I will be alerted to cases during my designated shifts and I will be a first responder to the hospital.  I will be there solely to support the victim and their family, walking them through the evidence collection process and ensuring the victim receives the proper information and care throughout the hospital experience.  I will attend their Rape Crisis Certification Training program this Monday, June 8th!  Thank you for your continued support! 
11:19 pm edt 

may 22, 2009

Joint Committe of the Judiciary

The JC has not posted the hearing schedule yet.  It was rumored to be coming out soon, but we are still waiting.  We will only receive a few days notice before the hearing actually takes place.  As you can imagine there are many Joint Committees - as a result a different hearing schedule and the respective committee meeting that day is posted on their webpage on a daily basis.  http://www.mass.gov/legis/legis.htm

10:20 pm edt 

may 8, 2009

The Enterprise is running my story this Sunday!
I interviewed with Allan Stein, correspondent for the Brockton Enterprise, this week and the story will be printed in this Sunday's paper - May 10th - Mother's Day!  I will be posting the link to my webpage once the story is available.  Thanks for your continued support!  And Stay Tuned...
11:09 am edt 

april 30, 2009

THANK YOU!
The response and support I have received has been amazing.  People I haven't spoken to or seen in years are reaching out - even complete strangers offer their support!  The activity on the web-page has increased and continues to do so....so thank you for making power in numbers!  I learned this morning that the hearing schedule for the Judiciary Committee should be out by the end of the week.  I have not heard from them as to whether I can testify or not, but the time is approaching and I'm determined to make it happen!  I'll keep you posted.
1:14 pm edt 

april 27, 2009

TONIGHT - CHAN 4 NEWS @ 11PM!
My story will air on the Channel 4 news (WBZ-TV) tonight at 11PM.  Please tune in to watch.  They have been running previews all weekend long...very dramatic.  Joe told me I would be happy with it and I can already tell I will be from the preview alone.  Thanks again, Joe Shortsleeve and WBZ-TV for allowing me to tell my story.  I can only hope other victims will come forward so we can put an end to this nonsense once and for all.   
11:32 am edt 

april 14, 2009

My goal is to testify in front of Judiciary Cttee - Bill 1523
House Docket No. 481, Filed on 1/12/2009 , Presented by Ronald Mariano
House Bill No. 1523

My goal is to testify in front of the Judiciary Committee for House Bill 1523.  Sen. Morrissey has been kind enough to write Chairperson Creem on my behalf.  I have also written to the Committee with my views from the victims' standpoint as to why the statute of limitations should be abolished in the state of MA.   
12:29 am edt 

My story will be on Channel 4 News
I taped an interview with Joe Shortsleeve from Channel 4 News this past Friday!  Chief Majenski of the APD and State Senator Michael Morrissey also appeared to be interviewed regarding lifting the statute of limitations on reporting the crime of rape in MA.  I met with Joe in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery and we spoke of what happened to me and the impact it has had on my life.  This is tentatively scheduled to air Monday, April 27 at 11PM.  I'll keep you posted.
12:22 am edt 

march 30, 2009

Reply Brockton Police Department (BPD), Chief William Conlon
I would like to thank the Chief of the BPD for replying to my letter so quickly.  Thanks to Chief Conlon the mystery regarding my missing DNA evidence has been solved.  While it was not the answer I was hoping for, at least I have an answer.  The BPD picked up my rape kit from the Brockton Hospital on April 22, 1991 and the evidence was subsequently destroyed 3 years later in 1994.  The confusion regarding my evidence was a result of the hospital using my nickname as opposed to my legal name and the fact that it was picked up some 8 months later as opposed to the date of in the incident, 8/10/1990.  I realize if BPD had the option they would have held onto my evidence, but could not due to lack of storage space.  It is beyond unacceptable to me that the state would rather destroy evidence from a suspected child rapist rather than spend the money to process and store this information.  This issue just received a voice that will not be silenced. 
5:47 pm edt 

march 23, 2009

I will periodically post updates to my Blog...

I will post updates to my story as I receive them.  Please check back with me and the website to see what feedback I receive as a result of your help. 

8:38 pm edt 

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