New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act into law on Feb. 14, 2019. He apologized to sexual abuse survivors in attendance who had waited through many years of attempting to pass this kind of legislation.

“This is society’s way of saying we are sorry,” the governor said. “We are sorry for what happened to you. We are sorry that it took us so long to acknowledge what happened to you. We are sorry that justice took so long. We are sorry to the other victims who, in the interim, were also violated because society was slow in acting.”

What is the Child Victims Act?

The Child Victims Act empowers survivors of child sexual abuse by allowing them more time to file civil lawsuits or felony or misdemeanor charges against their offenders.

What does the Child Victims Act do?

The Child Victims Act allows child sex abuse survivors to file a civil suit until they turn age 55. The previous age limit was 23. In addition, felony charges can be sought against the offender until the survivor is 28 years old (increased from age 23). Survivors can file misdemeanor charges against an offender until the survivor turns 25, increased from the previous age limit of 20.

Can the Child Victims Act help sexual abuse survivors who suffered decades ago?

The Child Victims Act includes an opportunity known as a one-time “look-back window” for those who wish to seek civil action no matter how long ago the abuse was committed. The original deadline for filing within this window was originally Aug. 13, 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic was extended twice—first until Jan. 14, 2021, and then until Aug. 14, 2021.

Is the Child Victims Act only for victims of Catholic Church sex abuse?

The Child Victims Act enables persons who were sexually abused as a child to come forth regardless of who committed the abuse. Survivors who attended the bill’s signing included survivors of abuse by Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics gynecologist who was convicted last year and sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison.

A gentleman from Albany who said he survived sexual abuse by the moderator of a high school radio club attended the bill’s signing as well. He wrote to the school when he was 62 years old so that administrators would know of the abuser who sexually assaulted him at age 16.

Why did it take so long for the Child Victims Act to pass?

Lobbyists for insurance companies, the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America and other special interest groups worked to prevent the Child Victims Act from being passed for fear of liability, damage to reputations, and expensive payouts for incidents that happened a long time ago.

How do sexual abuse survivors begin to build a case?

Lawyers who specialize in sexual abuse cases can help a survivor sort out memories and piece together a history that presents valuable timelines and evidence to hold perpetrators and institutions responsible for the abusive behavior. Both public and private institutions can face lawsuits and be held accountable during the look-back window, which closes on Aug. 14, 2021.

Join a Free New York, Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Lawsuit Investigation

If you were sexually assaulted as a child in New York or Pennsylvania, even decades ago, experienced sexual assault attorneys are ready to help. Fill out the free form on this page for more information.

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