While growing up in New York many people were the victims of sexual abuse, and unfortunately, you may know or be one of them. Sadly, this criminal activity often happened at trusted institutions that should have been protecting children. Survivors have had little recourse to take any action if too much time has passed. However, recent changes to the law may now allow you a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit.
According to The New York Times, the New York Child Victims Act (CVA) currently gives victims of childhood sexual abuse the chance to hold persons and institutions accountable for such crimes in cases where the statute of limitations has passed. As soon as this law permitted, hundreds of lawsuits flooded the courts, most aimed at institutions like schools, the Catholic Church, the Boy Scouts of America, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Many more claims were filed against a predator pediatrician and other doctors at Rockefeller University Hospital.
While this legislation has the potential to change the lives of victims, you should be aware that there are several limitations. This is a one-time-only law confined to a one-year “window” for filing that began on August 14, 2019. And, there are age restrictions, such as you can only file a civil lawsuit until you turn the age of 55 or bring felony criminal charges until you turn 28. However, despite these conditions, this act strives to bring justice to those who have suffered for a very long time.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.