Child Victims Act Update
ALERT: THE DEADLINE TO FILE CHARGES IS AUGUST 14, 2021. CONTACT OUR OFFICES NOW FOR A FREE REVIEWAL OF YOUR CASE!
Sexual abuse and exploitation of children are among the most disturbing of crimes. Yet historically, New York’s laws have failed to afford adequate protection the victims both need and deserve. The law has required survivors of
sexual abuse to file charges against their offender before most could possibly process and confront an experience so traumatic, effectively shielding predators from culpability at the expense of their victims’ justice.
Last year, the state Legislature approved the Child Victims Act – quite literally a life-changing victory. Governor Cuomo signed the Act allowing lawsuits to be filed starting on August 14, 2019, and finally provided survivors of sexual abuse the fair chance to reclaim integrity they were previously refused.
However, the Act has an important deadline. On August 14, 2021 all claims must be filed, or
victims will lose their ability to file charges.
Important Changes
- Extended the time survivors of sexual abuse have to bring criminal and civil charges against their abusers.
- Revived past claims of abuse that were dismissed.
- Held sexual offenders answerable for crimes they would have evaded before.
- Rendered public and private institutions more susceptible to liability.
Who Is Protected
Persons of all ages who were sexually offended when they were under the age of 18.
The One Year Rule
The following persons will have
until August 14, 2021 to file charges or will lose the right to do so:
- Anyone the age of 55 and older.
- Anyone who previously filed a claim that was dismissed due to time restrictions.
- Anyone who previously filed a claim that was dismissed for failing to file a Notice of Claim or Notice of Intention to File a Claim.
The New Time Period
Starting after August 14, 2021 any person who was sexually abused as a child may:
- File a civil lawsuit against any party whose conduct resulted in the abuse on or before they reach the age of 55.
- Have criminal charges filed by the District Attorney’s Office against their offender on or before they reach the age of 28.
The impact traumatic experiences have on its survivors is one only they could truly be able to understand. Repressing the memory, confronting the assailant, denying anything happened, confiding in friends, distancing family, finding some sort of outlet –
there is no wrong way to cope. The Child Victims Act has provided survivors of sexual abuse with another option – seizing the power and security from those who once deprived them of.
If you were a victim of sexual abuse as a child, it is your time to demand justice and let your voice be heard, and the deadline is fast approaching! Don’t let the window pass you by – we can help you file charges before the deadline.
The compassionate and experienced
New York Child Victims Act attorneys at
Hach & Rose, LLP understand that nothing can undo the damage done, but holding those accountable can provide emotional, mental, and financial support. As hard as taking the first step towards justice can be, embrace the strength you evidently have –
you are a survivor and control your future, not a victim confined to the past.