Molly Skye Brown Speaking at the Freedom to Be Heard 2024 Caucus Summer Field Hearings; Central Florida, Calling On Gov to PROTECT VICTIMS & WHISTLE-BLOWERS

LEFT Survivor/Advocate Molly Skye Brown, RIGHT Florida Representative Anna Eskamani at the Freedom to be Heard 2024 Caucus Summer Hearings in Central Florida on July 23

Speech in its entirety

🔗 to video https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTN9gyJPu/ or https://youtu.be/L6-a_zNWXq4?si=esg4nzC4oobkb-SH

“Good evening, everyone. Thank you for facilitating this beautiful opportunity for us to connect and feel heard.

My name is Molly Skye Brown, I was born with congenital hip dysplasia and after surgeries, traction and a full body cast, I lived to entertain others; I grew up singing and acting, graduating with honors, dreaming of being an attorney and singing Disney songs for children AND I am also a multiple sexual abuse/rape survivor starting early in my childhood, into my teens years, and then also targeted in college. I always thought there were NO Statutes OF LIMITATIONS on rape and sex crimes and that whenever I could actually get the support I was seeking, that I would be vindicated but instead I’ve only been further targeted. One of my remorseless rapists, a man that stalked and abducted me in order to rape me, is suing me because we don’t have laws in place that protect their victims. My dreams were ultimately destroyed by these rapes I’ve survived and continues to be a living nightmare for me to this day. So I am here today to talk about a crucial issue that affects us all: protecting the rights of survivors and whistleblowers in our state.

First, I want to discuss the importance of implementing a “Look Back Window” in Florida, similar to the very successful Adult Survivors Act in New York that in 2022 gave over 3000 traumatized victims the opportunity to get civil accountably. This legislation would allow adult survivors of sexual abuse to seek civil justice and accountability, even if the statute of limitations has expired. It’s a matter of basic human rights and dignity.

We know that sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on a person’s life, and it’s not uncommon for survivors to take years or even decades to come forward. By providing a look back window, we can ensure that these survivors have a chance to seek the justice they deserve. A chance to get real closure and move forward with our lives.

Second, I want to emphasize the need for a bill similar to California’s AB 933, which protects whistleblowers from legal retaliation and harassment. Whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing wrongdoing and holding those in power accountable. We must ensure that they are protected and supported, rather than silenced and punished.

Finally, I want to highlight the importance of including and protecting 16 and 17-year-old minors in our legislation. These young people deserve the same rights and protections as minors under 16, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have access to justice and civil remedies, no matter how long it takes. 16 and 17 year olds are targeted heavily by sexual predators and yet they are protected minimally in our state. We teach our kids that they are protected when that information isn’t true according to our own legislation. As a 16/17 year old dealing with adult predators, I TOO thought I could get justice as a minor but we have laws that say a minor is under 16 when we all believe a minor is someone under 18. So let’s write these laws properly to protect our youth.

To that end, I propose that we eliminate the statute of limitations for 16 and 17-year-old minors pursuing civil remedies. This will ensure that they have the time and support they need to seek justice and healing.

In conclusion, I urge our lawmakers to take action on these critical issues. Let us work together to create a safer, more just society for all Floridians. Thank you.”

I was very well received and was offered lots of support to get these checked off my To Do List!

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The meek SPEAK!

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