New York Law Helps Child Sexual Abuse Victims Seek Justice

August 22, 2019 |

What is the Child Victims Act?

Table of Contents

1 What is the Child Victims Act?

The New York State Child Victims Act, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, changes the state’s previously strict statute of limitations on child sex abuse. It extends the previous restrictive periods for civil cases. It provides a special one-year window for all victims to file civil lawsuits regardless of their age.

When does it take effect?

The new law as well as the open window began on August 14, 2019. Abuse survivors have one year from that date to file civil cases no matter how long ago the abuse happened. There is no time limit for this new extension of tine to file all civil cases.

How is this different?

Previously, criminal charges against sexual abusers of children could only be filed up until victims turned 23. Now, that age has been raised to 28. For civil cases against abusers and the organizations they worked for, a special one-year window is meant to provide an opportunity for all those who have never had a chance to act under the old laws.

Who does it help?

Anyone who has been affected by child sexual abuse, or knows someone who has, should consider learning more about their options under the new law. You and your loved ones are not alone. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in seven children have experienced child abuse or neglect in the last year.

In Syracuse, 14 men are accusing a former Olympian of abuse under the new law.

What can I do now?

It’s undeniable that these cases are difficult to cope with for victims and their families. But this law represents new hope for getting justice. The Catholic Church and insurance companies fearing an influx of lawsuits opposed the passage of the bill, but now they will have to face their victims.

Belluck & Fox has been standing up for New Yorkers that suffered from sexual abuse crimes for over 20 years. We want to help you too. With offices across the state, we’ll talk to you about your case, with no obligation, at any of our locations or even at your home. We will fight for you and your family as if they were our own, because we believe no one should have to go through this alone.

We are currently representing many victims of child sex abuse. If you are in need of a Child Victims Act attorney, we want to help you. Act now – you have one year to pursue your case.