Bill to end statute of limitations for child sexual abuse registered in Parliament 

Four parties have put forward a bill that aims to put an end to the statute of limitations for serious child abuse cases in Catalonia. 

The Socialists, pro-independence Junts and Esquerra and left-wing Comuns presented the bill in the Catalan Parliament on Tuesday. 

Once approved in Catalonia in early 2024, the bill will be sent to the Spanish Congress, where the parties hope it will be included in the Spanish criminal code. 

The proposed law would see that serious crimes of sexual abuse committed against minors with sentences exceeding five years never expire. 

Victims welcome bill 

Victims of child abuse welcomed the move from the four parties. Miguel Hurtado told the media: "We are finally being listened to." 

After meeting with the parties, Hurtado and other activists and victims have demanded that Spain adapt to European norms on the issue, saying is Spain "wants to be the exception in Europe, it will have to explain."

The proposed law will benefit "not only victims of child abuse in the Church, but also all victims of institutional abuse and family abuse," Hurtado said. 

In 14 of the 27 EU member states, serious child abuse crimes never expire. 

85% of victims of child sexual abuse do not seek help until adulthood, according to data from the Vicki Bernadet Foundation. 

Parliament is currently holding a commission of inquiry into child sex abuse in the Catholic church.