Citizen Lobbyists

In this episode, Congressman Ben McAdams (D-UT) talks with Deondra and Gregory Brown, two of the popular piano ensemble and Utah family, The Five Browns, about their hopes to change federal laws regarding the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. A survivor of sexual abuse, Deondra said she and her sisters were lucky that Utah laws allowed them to seek prosecution of their abuser (their father), a fact that is important in both a survivor's recovery and for public safety.   Since then, she and her siblings have become active in seeking changes in the law that allow victims of sexual abuse to seek justice, even if it is decades after the abuse occurred. The conversation offers insight into the uniqueness of the federal legislative process and why citizens should see themselves — and their stories — as an important part of creating and changing policies.   If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, there is help available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 (HOPE). For more information on the Five Browns, visit their website: www.the5browns.comSee our website for privacy information.