As a survivor and an advocate for victims of sexual abuse, I applaud Governor Rick Scott for signing House Bill 1325 into law, giving our prosecutors additional tools to get sex offenders and sex traffickers off the streets. This law contains a provision that extends a “hearsay exception” to older child victims of abuse and trafficking, making out-of-court statements admissible as evidence in some cases. It is our hope that this exception will strengthen child victims’ testimonies and increase the number of trials and convictions against sexual predators and traffickers, bringing justice to victims and peace of mind to families across the state. I want to thank the Florida Legislature, Governor Rick Scott and especially the 20 elected state attorneys who comprise the Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association for their advocacy and support of this provision.
