From The Boston Globe · · 1m 10s
Poll Shows 84% Support Child Abuse Law Change
Massachusetts voters back removing statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims.
In brief
Massachusetts voters back removing statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims. 84% of Massachusetts voters support eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil complaints. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Poll shows strong support
84 percent of Massachusetts registered voters strongly or somewhat support eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil complaints.
Cross-party support found
74 percent of independents and 85 percent of both democrats and republicans support eliminating the statute of limitations.
Legislative progress underway
Senator Joan Lovely’s bill has been in the Senate Ways and Means since july 2025 and another similar bill is pending in the House Ways and Means Committee since september 2025.
Current statute of limitations
The state’s current statute of limitations is 35 years, beginning when the alleged victim turns 18 years old.
Survivor readiness concerns
91 percent of respondents agree survivors may need many years before they are ready to share what happened.
Catholic church opposition
Catholic church groups nationwide oppose similar legislative reforms, arguing the move could saddle them with decades-old liability.
The bottom line
84% of Massachusetts voters support eliminating the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse civil complaints.
