New York Opens One-Year Window for Sex Abuse Claims

It can be extremely difficult for someone who was the victim of sexual abuse as a child to come forward. The New York Senate recently passed a piece of legislation designed to make it easier to do so.

The Child Victims Act

The legislation, known as the Child Victims Act, extends the statute of limitations for people who suffered abuse to take legal action against those responsible. The old limit was the victim’s 23rd birthday. However, victims will now have until the age of 55.

The Act will also create what is known as a one-year “look back window.” This means that for a limited time of one year people will be able to file lawsuits even if their statute of limitations has passed. The legislation stems from the sexual abuse scandal involving Catholic priests stretching back decades.

The State of California passed a similar one-year window in 2003, but is considering legislation that would open another window.

There have been repeated attempts in recent years to pass this type of legislation in New York. Bills passed the State Assembly in 2017 and 2018, only to be blocked by the Republican-led Senate. However, Democrats regained the Senate majority in November 2018, opening the door for the Child Victims Act to finally make it through.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign the Child Victims Act into law.

Contact Sexual Abuse Claim

If you are a resident of the state of New York and were the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of someone representing an institution such as the Catholic Church, we may be able to help. However, in order to take advantage of the one-year window and pursue compensation, you will need to speak with an attorney as soon as you can.

Please give Sexual Abuse Claim a call at (866) 111-0011 or contact us online to learn more.

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