New York Senate Passes New Statute of Limitations for Sex Abuse Victims

In the wake of sexual abuse allegations involving the Catholic Church, the New York Senate has voted to extend the statute of limitations. This gives victims more time to file lawsuits against those responsible for the suffering they experienced.

A Unanimous Vote

The Senate voted 63-0 to pass the Child Victims Act, which eliminates the old statute of limitations that kept some victims from being able to seek compensation. Under the new legislation, which is expected to become law when signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, victims will now have until the age of 55 to sue their abusers, or the institutions that hired those abusers.

Under the old law, victims had to file a lawsuit by the time they turned 23.

Catholic Church officials had opposed the measure, feeling that if it passed it would bankrupt the organization. The New York Assembly passed the Act in both 2017 and 2018, but Republicans in the Senate blocked the Act both times. Democrats took over the Senate majority in 2018.

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If you or someone close to you suffered childhood sexual abuse at the hands of someone representing the Catholic Church or a similar respected and trusted institution, we may be able to help you pursue compensation. Please use our convenient online contact form or call (866) 111-0011 to learn more.

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