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| The vote followed a public campaign headed by British pianist and Spanish resident James Rhodes and a number of charities. (Photo by= Getty Images) |
[Asia News Communication = Reporter Reakkana] Spain's parliament approved new proposals to protect child victims of sexual abuse. BBC reported that under the bill, which will now go to the Spanish Senate, survivors will be able to report abuse for up to 15 years after turning 35.
Now, the clock starts running from their 18th birthday. The vote followed a public campaign headed by British pianist and Spanish resident James Rhodes and a number of charities. The musician, who has spoken out about having been raped by a teacher while at school in the UK, described the law as "fantastic". "This law is an enormous step - not just for Spain, but for the world," he told the Spanish news channel RTVE.
The comprehensive text - which ranges from child protection in schools, families, health care, and online - passed on Thursday with more than 200 amendments.
However, Minister of Social Rights Ione Belarra said the law "must continue to be improved" as it is debated in Spain's upper house. Limits on reporting sexual assault vary massively by country. In the UK, for example, no statute of limitations exists for serious crimes. Although, campaigners argue that few cases of child abuse are taken to court in Spain as victims may take years before they are ready to speak about their experiences.
