Guam teacher campaigns against statute of limitations

Transcript

A school teacher in Guam is campaigning for the removal of a statute of limitations for civil claims relating to child sexual abuse.

George Washington High School teacher Joe Santos has launched a petition called Silent No More which he plans to take to the Guam Legislature to compel it to lift the two year time limit on filing civil claims.

He told Jo O'Brien he was prompted to take action after students came forward about sexual abuse.

JOE SANTOS: I am trying to get our senators our legislators to pass a bill and a law that will remove civil statutes of limitations against individuals. So that will allow anyone that has become a victim when they become old enough, mature enough, emotionally and then financially because it is going to cost money to hire a lawyer that they would have that opportunity.

JO: So do you think that is preventing many people from taking civil action?

JS: The first thing that keeps them is that the psychological barrier is somewhat embarrassing that is the first thing that they have to overcome. Then they are confronted with the legal barriers. That is why I say that there should not be a statute of limitations because by the time they become emotionally mature enough, psychologically capable of confronting their perpetrators their hands are tied. And then when they do become, at this point of time the way the laws a written by the time they are psychologically prepared and possibly financially capable what is the reason for bringing it out? There is not going to be any justice there is not going to be any closure you are just going to reopen your wounds.

JO: Do you know why this statute of limitations was put in place originally?

JS: I really don't. I think these were some issues within the culture of Guam certain things are put. It is your cross to bear that is one of the statements that come out. And then again there is this embarrassment to the family. So a lot of things used to get swept under the rug. But I think we are starting to become a culture that is able to face our shortcomings and bring these things to light.

JO: Do you believe from what you know that there is widespread child-sexual abuse in Guam?

JS: For the size of our population, you know we are I believe between a 130 to 150 thousand people. The answer is yes, that there is a huge sexual abuse issue. I can't say why but yes at this point in time there is a problem and hopefully something like my petition my movement will be able to correct it.