Ep 8 Advocacy and Call to Action

In this powerful season finale, host Melanie Perkins McLaughlin takes listeners through an emotional journey, recounting her own experiences as a child advocate and revealing how survivors transform their trauma into a force for change. We hear directly from survivor and advocate Billy Giblin, whose story of resilience and advocacy sheds light on the lasting impact of abuse and the urgent need for legislative reform. Joined by attorney and policy expert Kathryn Robb, and Massachusetts State Senator Joan Lovely, we discuss the systemic issues that survivors face and the critical role of advocacy in healing and justice. Bob Hoatson from Road to Recovery shares resource and support. 

Topics Covered

• Survivor Stories: Billy Giblin shares his path from trauma to advocacy, detailing the support networks that helped him regain control and speak out.
• Advocacy and Law: CSA Survivors, Attorney Kathryn Robb and Senator Joan Lovely talk about the importance of removing the statute of limitations (SOL) on child abuse cases, enabling survivors to seek justice on their terms.
• Systemic Reform: Learn about the proposed legislation in Massachusetts aimed at SOL reform, improved reporting laws, and survivor support.
• A Call to Action: Melanie calls on listeners to join the advocacy efforts by contacting legislators to push for child protection laws.

Key Guests

• Billy Giblin - Survivor and advocate, shares his personal journey and his fight for justice and legislative reform.
• Kathryn Robb - Attorney, policy expert, and survivor, she provides insight into the legal battles for child protection and SOL reform across the U.S.
• Senator Joan Lovely - Massachusetts State Senator and survivor, actively working on SOL reform and legislative support for survivors.

Action Items
Join the movement to end the statute of limitations on child abuse cases:

• Contact Massachusetts Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano  [e-mail] or call 617-722-2500 support for ending the SOL on child abuse cases.
• Find Your Legislator: www.pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator. Reach out to your local representative and senator, urging them to support SOL reform.

Resources and Links

• Open Investigation Website
• Road to Recovery
• SNAP
• Children’s Justice Campaign / Enough Abuse / Kathryn Robb
• Senator Joan Lovely Legislation
• Follow Us on Social Media: Linktree
• Support the Show on Patreon: Exclusive content and bonus episodes available for subscribers.

Be sure to download and subscribe the show for notifications of our next open investigation. Open Investigation Season 2: Clergy Abuse in Merrimack Valley. We'll host an in-depth investigation into clergy abuse in Merrimack Valley. At least 15 priests were credibly accused of sexually abusing under privileged kids in Lawre

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