Among other provisions, the New York Child Victims Act will allow victims to hold their abusers accountable several years after the abuse has occurred. In many cases, victims of child sex abuse feel either ashamed or terrified to come forward. The new law expands the previous statute of limitations and provides a much-needed opportunity for those who feel they missed their chance. Throughout the past, numerous victims have failed to see justice served based on an unjust statute of limitations that rendered their case invalid. The glaring problem with a statute of limitations in child rape cases is that it often takes victims many years to come to terms with the abuse they have endured. Putting a limit on when victims must come to terms with their abuse and file a lawsuit only seems inhumane. As many New Yorkers are likely aware, the recently signed Child Victims Act allows victims until at least the age of 50 to file a claim against an alleged party. However, what may be even more significant is that the new law also permits those who had previously missed the statute of limitations to refile. Under the new law, anyone previously denied the right to a trial due to the former statute of limitations will now have one year to refile their claim. This new provision is titled “The Look Back Window,” it is available to anyone who may qualify. Of course, it is important to understand that even though you may be familiar with the new laws, there is no substitute for accurate representation.
Child Victims Act: The Look Back Window