A Statute with Limitations: Before #MeToo - Paperback

by Becky Starr (Author)

It's the early 1980's. Feminists don't 'burn their bras'; they invest their energy and expertise in fighting legal battles. But speaking truth to power has its consequences which Carole Thornton learns rather quickly when she enters the forensic arena to confront sexually abusive therapists from her past.

Thornton has been hospitalized in mental institutions three times in a two year period before a female psychiatrist Dr. Schubachs suggests Carole's road to recovery lies in doing something about the sexual abuse her patient experienced decades earlier. Confused, full of self-doubt, not trusting herself or her new therapist, and unsure of what she can do, Thornton begins her odyssey by doing research in the University library before taking action. What she discovers is an eye opener.

When Carole does community placement at a Women's Crisis Center she meets an advocate for victims of sensitive crimes, Attorney Jonathon Prospect who just recently left the local district attorney's office to enter private practice. He counsels Carole on her legal rights, and offers to represent her, advising that the biggest hurdle they will face in finding justice is the statute of limitations. She finds societal attitudes towards women an even greater hurdle and far more insidious, making her road to recovery even more difficult. She discovers the current law to be a statute with really serious limitations, and vows to fight for change.

Thornton's journey from victim to survivor takes her to the courtroom, to legislators, to the chancery, to professional trainings, to national audiences. At times she falters - on the brink of self-destruction. What emerges as she pursues an elusive justice for herself and fellow survivors of therapist and clergy sexual abuse is a stronger, more focused person with strength to face life's challenges.

Today people ask, why do victims wait so long to report abuse? Why not let it go - just forget about what happened? As you follow Carole on her personal journey, you the reader will come to understand that this is a life-changing event that cannot just be brushed aside.