Child Victims Act “Look Back” Period Extended to August 14th 2021
The Child Victims Act, enacted on August 14th, 2019, extends the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse in civil and criminal court. This important act extends the time period in which survivors can file a claim for monetary damages. Not only can a victim of sexual abuse bring a claim against an individual, but also against an institution which is connected to the wrongdoing. In the past survivors had a limited number of years after they turned 18 within which to commence a civil lawsuit against abusers. However, the legislature recognized that trauma often caused emotional incapacity to victims for years before they could come to terms with the unconsented bodily exploitation. By then, often the statue of limitation had passed. For claims that have already expired under the old statue of limitations, those over the age of 23, have a one year “look back” period. This period was set to end in 2020 but with the onset of coronavirus Governor Cuomo has now extended this period until August 14th, 2021. Because of the reduction in court services, it is paramount that survivors have the time to file their claims and get the justice they deserve.
Cuomo states that “the Child Victims Act brought a long-needed pathway to justice for people who were abused, and helps right wrongs that went unacknowledged and unpunished for far too long and we cannot let this pandemic limit the ability for survivors to have their day in court.” The governor continued, “as New York continues to reopen and recover from a public health crisis, extending the look back window is the right thing to do and will help ensure that abusers and those who enabled them are held accountable.”
Hill & Moin are Here to Help
If you were a victim of sexual assault or abuse as a child do not hesitate to call the skilled attorneys here at Hill & Moin LLP so we can help you get the justice that went long overdue. Hill & Moin LLP can explain how the extension interacts with the Child Victims Act. Know Your Rights!