Watertown State Rep. John Lawn revealed that he was sexually abused by adults when he was a child in an Op-Ed he wrote for the Boston Globe, in which he also called for the end of statute of limitations in Massachusetts for child sexual abuse cases.
Lawn wrote that he was abused by a “trusted leader” at a local pool and skating rink and a Catholic priest, both of whom are now dead. He went on to say that he remained silent even when revelations of abuse in the Catholic church arose, and even when asked by his mother after one of his abusers was arrested for abusing others.
Massachusetts’ current child sexual abuse gives abuse victims can file suits up to age 53, and in cases of repressed memory, adults have seven years after realizing they were abused as children to file claims against abusers.
“Trauma does not operate on a legal timeline,” Lawn wrote.
In the Globe piece, he advocated for passage of legislation currently on Beacon Hill to remove the statute of limitation for civil sexual abuse cases.
Lawn filed the bill in the House, H.1829, and State. Sen. Will Brownsberger co-sponsored the bill in the Senate, S.1169.
Read John Lawn’s piece in the Boston Globe by clicking here.
What a courageous act. Not surprising from John Lawn at all given the good and decent man he is, human flaws included. John’s district is very lucky to have a person like him to represent them on Beacon Hill. And I am lucky to count him as a friend.
I don’t know what to say other than I am very, very sorry. And this legislation is a much needed correction. It should not be on the kids to speak up when the system fails to protect, and then get justice.