FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 1, 2019
Contact: Erich Haslehurst, Chair
Phone: (401) 451-1935
Email:
[email protected]Twitter: @bristolridems
Facebook: @bristoldemocrats
Bristol Democrats Respond to Child Sexual Assault Allegations Against Former
Town Councilor David Barboza
Bristol, Rhode Island -- News broke yesterday in the Boston Globe that David Barboza, a lifelong
Bristol resident who has held multiple elected and volunteer positions in the town, has been accused
of sexual abuse and assault of children. Several people have come forward to share their
experiences, beginning in the 1970s with repercussions lasting through the present day. The Bristol
Democratic Town Committee (BDTC) condemns these alleged sexual abuses, and wishes to
express support for the survivors. Additionally, the BDTC notes their concern regarding the
individuals and systems that participated in covering up decades of this alleged abuse at the
expense of other children. “It is the responsibility of every adult to participate in ensuring a safe
community for our children and to take action in support of this goal regardless of who the alleged
abuser is or what position they hold,” said Erich Haslehurst, Chairman of the Bristol Democratic
Town Committee. He continued, “When several accusers speak up and speak out, it must be taken
seriously. We stand with these victims who have had their innocence taken away and their lives so
significantly impacted by the alleged abuser. When victims come forward, too often they are met with
ridicule and doubt -- we must stop this trend and stand with those that share their experiences.”
David Barboza has not been a member of the Bristol Democratic Town Committee for the past
several years.
State Representative Susan Donovan, who was contacted by a constituent who was one of the
alleged victims, commented: “Circumstances like these are exactly the reason the General
Assembly passed legislation extending the statute of limitations on childhood sexual assault. There
must be protections in place for anyone that has to deal with the trauma of being sexually abused. I
hope these victims are able to find justice and some peace, and I hope this extension on the statute
of limitations will allow others to come forward and seek justice.”
State Senator Walter Felag added: “Our children deserve a diligent response to all allegations of
sexual abuse promptly and thoroughly. When victims come to terms with these dreadful experiences
and bring them forward to the authorities, we must ensure that they are taken seriously regardless of
the passage of time. That is why I was a Senate cosponsor these past two legislative sessions of the
recently passed legislation for victims of childhood sexual abuse.”
The BDTC applauds the work of Democrats to extend the statute of limitations so that victims can
seek justice. We are especially thankful to all of our local Representatives and Senators who voted
in support of this legislation, which, in addition to Senator Felag and Representative Donovan,
include Senators Cynthia Coyne and James Seveney and Representative June Speakman.
###
