Help Get the Positions of Trust Bill Passed
Recently, WCVB 5 Investigative Reporter Karen Anderson stopped by the CAC to interview our team about the importance of two bills being heard by state legislators regarding sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust. Currently, according to Massachusetts State Law, a child who is 16 or older (the state’s legal age of consent) is able to consent to sexual acts with an adult in a position of trust such as a teacher, coach, faith leader, camp counselor or mentor. Knowing that sexual abuse is about power and control, these bills, sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Leigh Davis, aim to change that.
We are grateful to Senator Lovely, Representative Davis and the House and Senate Leadership for their commitment to moving these bills forward to close this loophole and protect the children of the Commonwealth.
We need your help to bolster support for this critical legislation. Please reach out to the Speaker of the House (Rep. Ronald Mariano), Senate President (Sen. Karen E. Spilka), and the Chairs of the House (Rep. Aaron Michlewitz) and Senate (Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues) Ways and Means, and ask that they please help move Bill S.1163 and H.1634 to the floor for passage.
Please also send a message of thanks to Senator Lovely and Representative Davis so they know how much their efforts mean to our community!
Contact information and template messaging is below.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Senator Karen Spilka
President of the Senate
Karen.Spilka@masenate.gov
Representative Ronald Mariano
Speaker of the House
Ronald.Mariano@mahouse.gov
Senator Michael Rodrigues
Chairperson, Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Michael.Rodrigues@masenate.gov
Representative Aaron Michlewitz
Chairperson, House Committee on Ways and Means
Aaron.M.Michlewitz@mahouse.gov
SUGGESTED EMAIL MESSAGE
SUBJECT LINE: An act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust
Hello [Elected Official’s Title and Last Name],
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to funding for Children's Advocacy Centers throughout the Commonwealth. It is appreciated more than you know.
Today, I’m writing to request your support of S.1163 and H.1634 An act relative to sexual assaults by adults in positions of authority or trust.
As a supporter of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, I am well-aware of the impact sexual abuse can have on the life of a child. These critical bills will close a loophole in our laws that currently allow for the sexual abuse of youth by adults they know and trust.
Governor Healey has stated that she will sign the bill if it reaches her desk. Please do what is within your power to protect the children of the Commonwealth.
Thank you,
[Your name and city/town of residence]