Advocates for victims of sexual abuse are imploring lawmakers to repeal Rhode Island’s seven-year statute of limitations for pressing civil charges when the alleged victim is a minor. A bill introduced by Sen. Donna Nesselbush would repeal the statute of limitations for any type of sexual abuse of a minor. Rhode Island currently has no statute of limitations in cases of first-degree sexual assault. Supporters of the legislation say it can often take decades for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward. They gathered at the Statehouse in Providence Thursday, urging lawmakers to pass the change. “The only way to stop these people is to have them have the fear that sooner or later they’re going to get named,” said Ann Hagan Webb, a psychologist and survivor of sexual abuse. “And make no mistake, just because they’re over 50 does not mean they will stop abusing children. The abuse of children is not about sex; it’s about power.” Tim Colon, a lawyer who represents survivors of
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