The New York Child Victims Act has temporarily lifted the statute of limitations allowing survivors of sexual abuse to take legal action. This new law gives survivors the chance to break through the silence, shame, and isolation caused by sexual abuse and pursue justice and healing.

Under this new law, survivors of child sexual abuse have one year to take legal action against their abusers and the institutions that may have protected them — no matter the age of the survivor, when the abuse occurred, or if the perpetrator is alive or dead.

But this window is only open for 24 months,
beginning August 13, 2019.*

* After August 14, 2021 child sex abuse survivors will be allowed to bring a civil lawsuit against abusers and institutions that protected them until the survivor reaches the age of 55.

Self Doubt

Some victims have lapses in memory, uncertainty whether what happened is serious enough to report, and fear of not being believed. We encourage you to talk to a counselor or victim advocate. Trust yourself.

Shame

Feeling it’s too personal to talk about or fear of being blamed are common barriers to reporting. Be assured, it was not your fault. And you are part of a growing movement of people who know this and will listen. You can use your voice and take action.

Social Isolation

Sexual assault is most often committed by someone the survivor knows, and often someone in their social circle. Survivors risk social ostracism by speaking out. You can be connected with appropriate resources that will protect you against reprisals or retaliation. You speaking out may protect someone else or allow others to come forward.

Statistics

Experts agree that the prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) is far greater than what is reported. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Children’s Bureau Child Maltreatment 2010 report found that 9.2% of victimized children were sexually assaulted.

From The National Center for Victims of Crime