No time limit for reporting childhood sexual assault in Washington

Victims of sexual assault in Washington state now have far more time to report the crimes committed against them.

That’s after big changes to the statute of limitations on sexual assault went into effect Sunday.

The new law removed the time limit for crimes against people younger than 16. Victims 16 and older when the crime is committed now have up to 10 to 20 years to report it, depending on the severity of the assault. read more »

Vatican defends confessional secret as sexual abuse crisis stings

The Vatican on Monday reaffirmed Catholic teaching that priests cannot reveal what they learn in confession, in an apparent response to moves in Australia and elsewhere to force them to do so in cases of sexual abuse.

Most countries’ legal systems respect the religious right of a Catholic priest not to reveal what he has learned in confession, similar to attorney-client privilege.

But the sexual abuse crisis that has embroiled the Catholic Church around the world has seen this right challenged more frequently.

In Australia, an inquiry into child abuse recommended that the country introduce a law forcing religious leaders to report child abuse, including priests told of it during confession. read more »

'Cover-up in spirit': Congressional report attacks USOC and FBI over Nassar abuse

Former USA Gymnastics doctor abused dozens of athletes

Report says institutions failed to act of reports of abuse

A series of institutions, including the US Olympic Committee and FBI, “fundamentally failed” to protect young athletes from the serial sexual abuser Larry Nassar, according to a congressional report.

Nassar, a former doctor for Michigan State University and USA Gymnastics, was given an effective life sentence last year for abusing dozens of young gymnasts in his care. The Senate commerce subcommittee on manufacturing, trade and consumer protection has conducted an 18-month investigation into the Nassar case. It found multiple organisations failed to act on credible reports that Nassar was abusing athletes. read more »