. . . a giant step toward creating a state where sexual abuse and exploitation of children is not tolerated."
FT. MYERS Fla. -- Florida today enacted the toughest child abuse reporting law in the nation a law that advocates say raises the bar and sets a national standard for child protection."
SB 1816 signed into law by
Florida Governor Rick Scott declares that reporting suspected child abuse is everyones responsibility not just the responsibility of a few professions. It also imposes stiff penalties that ensure institutions will put the wellbeing of children over the protection of their own reputations if a child is abused on their grounds or at their sanctioned events.
Longtime childhood sexual abuse survivor Lauren Book called Floridas new law a giant step toward creating a state where sexual abuse and exploitation of children is not tolerated."
Book was sexually abused by her familys nanny from age 11 to 17. Since then she created a foundation Laurens Kids dedicated to ending child sexual abuse created an abuse prevention curriculum
Safer Smarter Kids" and worked to change the law to prevent child abuse.
At a time when the eyes of the nation are riveted on the Jerry Sandusky trial I have never been more proud to be a Floridian or more hopeful that we can create a society where children are safe from abuse" Book said. This is a courageous act by Floridas leaders to protect the defenseless and end the plague that is child abuse."
About Laurens Kids <http://www.laurenskids.org>
Laurens Kids is a non-profit organization in South Florida that works to prevent sexual abuse through education and awareness and helps survivors heal.
