Fighting to extend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors in Kansas
Important: This information is for educational purposes only. Survivors should consult with qualified legal counsel about their specific situations. Organizations like SNAP and Child USA provide resources for statute of limitations reform advocacy.
The Eastminster case demonstrates why current laws fail survivors:
What advocates are fighting for in the Kansas Legislature
Allow survivors to file civil suits until at least age 55
Create a 3-year window for past victims to file claims regardless of when abuse occurred
Hold churches, schools, and organizations liable for covering up abuse
Join 43 other states in requiring clergy to report suspected child abuse to authorities
One of only 7 states that doesn't require clergy to report child abuse
6 Years of Legislative Inaction: Despite repeated attempts since 2019, the Kansas Legislature has failed to pass laws requiring clergy to report child abuse. This ongoing failure leaves children vulnerable and allows institutions to self-police.
Your voice can help change Kansas law
Call your state senator and representative to support SOL reform
Legislators need to hear from survivors (anonymously if needed)
Copy and customize this message
Dear [Representative/Senator Name], I am writing to urge your support for critical child protection reforms in Kansas, including mandatory reporting for clergy and extending the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse survivors. Kansas is one of only 7 states that does NOT require clergy to report suspected child abuse. This dangerous loophole has allowed religious institutions to handle abuse allegations internally for decades. Bills to fix this have been blocked since 2019, leaving Kansas children vulnerable. Additionally, our state's civil statute of limitations (age 31) is among the most restrictive in the nation. The average disclosure age is 52. The Eastminster Presbyterian Church investigation revealed decades of unreported abuse - a direct result of these failed laws. 43 states require clergy to report abuse. 38 states have reformed their SOL laws. Kansas children deserve equal protection. I urge you to support legislation that: 1. Makes clergy mandatory reporters of child abuse (PRIORITY) 2. Extends the civil SOL to at least age 55 3. Creates a revival window for past victims 4. Holds institutions accountable for cover-ups 5. Eliminates criminal SOL for child sexual abuse The safety of Kansas children must come before institutional reputation. Six years of inaction is enough. Please act NOW to protect our children. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your City, KS]