Louisiana lawmakers are working to implement an extended “look back period” for survivors of childhood abuse.
Louisiana lawmakers are working to implement an extended “look back period” for survivors of childhood abuse.
The push for this legislation follows the Louisiana Legislature’s decision in 2021 that instilled hope in many survivors and families affected by abuse. The court granted survivors a 3-year look back window that allowed adults to come forward about abuse that occurred during their childhood or adolescence.
However, this 3-year period expires on June 14, 2024. Senate Bill 246, sponsored by Senator Jay Luneau, D-Alexandria, would extend the window by three additional years. The proposed end date of June 14, 2027 “unanimously passed the Senate and awaits a full House vote.”
Many survivors find the judicial process grueling, especially after experiencing severe trauma. Kristi Schubert, a New Orleans attorney who represents child abuse victims, states that survivors have been especially hesitant to come forward over the past three years. The Catholic Church has been instrumental in challenging the look back window. Some survivors “weren’t willing to go through the emotional turmoil of pursuing such a lawsuit until they knew the statute would be upheld,” Schubert said.
Unfortunately, when a survivor of childhood sexual abuse brings forth a lawsuit, they become easily identifiable. Even under a pseudonym, the closely knit environment of small communities does not allow for the comfort of anonymity.
The Catholic Diocese of Lafayette rejected the notion of the look back period in court under the assertion that it “violates due process rights.” The state Supreme Court initially agreed with the diocese in a March ruling before deciding to reconsider the case in early May.
Attorney General Liz Murrill supports the look back period, which will affect “any institution or individual who perpetrate[s] violence against children.” Although the focus has primarily shifted to sexual abuse within the Catholic Church, organizations like the Southern Baptist Church, Boy Scouts of America, USA Gymnastics, K-12 schools and youth sports programs are also under investigation.
In a legal brief, Murril stated that this case “marks a significant constitutional moment in the Court’s history.”
Authors: Alexis Kabat and Andy Goldwasser
