No Child Left to Heal Alone: Rethinking Restitution for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse

Authors

• Jessica Valiani, University of LouisvilleFollow

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term psychological, emotional, and financial harms suffered by child victims of sexual abuse and argues that existing restitution statutes in the United States fail to provide meaningful, sustained support for survivors. Drawing on developmental psychology research, criminal restitution frameworks, and comparative state statutes, the paper demonstrates how current laws often limit recovery to narrow categories of offenses or leave compensation largely discretionary. The paper further analyzes Kentucky’s “Melanie’s Law” as a model for imposing ongoing offender-funded obligations and proposes a new child-centered restitution statute requiring convicted offenders to fund therapy and treatment for survivors of child sexual abuse. Ultimately, the paper contends that justice for child victims must extend beyond incarceration and include long-term financial accountability that prioritizes healing, rehabilitation, and the best interests of the child.

Recommended Citation

Jessica Valiani, No Child Left to Heal Alone: Rethinking Restitution for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse, 3 Journal Abbr. 77 (2026).  
Available at: https://ir.library.louisville.edu/sexoffenses/vol3/iss1/4