NCCASP Drafted Resolution Passes ABA Criminal Justice Section Council Unanimously
In October, NCCASP's Executive Director testified in front of the ABA Criminal Justice Section Council. The resolution based on NCCASP research urged states to amend existing laws or enact new laws to clearly define child torture and ensure child torture a felony offense regardless of whether a serious physical injury occurred.
For example, weeks of being locked in a closet, bound, and intentionally starved can leave mental trauma but not a physical injury as defined by statute. The resolution urges states to address a gap in criminal codes.
The panel of 30+ veteran criminal law judges, defense attorneys, professors, and prosecutors passed the resolution unanimously. It goes in front of the full American Bar Association in February. It will better protect child victims trapped in horrifically abusive homes.