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Survivors and advocates press lawmakers to close 'authority' loophole in sex‑abuse law (S152)
Summary
Survivors and advocacy groups urged lawmakers to pass S152, which would create a civil cause of action for sexual relationships between adults who hold authority or trust and young people under their care, saying current criminal law does not fully address grooming and power imbalances.
Boston — Survivors, child‑welfare providers and advocates urged the Joint Committee to advance Senate Bill S152, which would establish a civil cause of action against adults who engage in sexual relationships with students or other young people over whom they hold authority or trust.
"When adults hold authority over young people, these young people are inherently vulnerable," survivor Hillary Simon told the committee. Simon said she was groomed beginning at 15 by a man who was a teacher, coach and…
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