The New York Sexual Child Victims Act Allows Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse to Seek Justice
Sexual abuse takes many forms, and the aftermath of a sexual assault can be overwhelming. It’s a painful subject, difficult to talk about, and potentially a powder keg of emotional trauma for every sexual abuse survivor.
Any form of sexual abuse can leave long-lasting physical, mental and emotional wounds. Those wounds are magnified when the abusers appear to suffer no consequences at all, or worse still, freely continue to abuse others. For New Yorkers, a new law may be providing a chance to come forward and turn the tables on their attackers.
Until recently, adults in New York City who were victims of sexual abuse as children were very limited in their ability to use both the criminal and civil legal system to face their abusers and obtain justice. Survivors of child sexual abuse had just 5 years from the time they turned 18 to bring a civil lawsuit against their abusers. For many, the barriers of the emotional trauma made it impossible for them to feel mentally and emotionally prepared to bring a claim for money damages within such a short time span.
The Child Victims Act’s “Look-Back” Provision Holds Out Hope to Sexual Abuse Survivors
All that changed on August 14, 2019, when New York’s new Child Victims Act took effect. For one year – until August, 2020 – survivors of childhood sexual abuse who were barred by that earlier statute of limitations may bring claims in the New York courts against their abusers.
The statute has also been extended to allow these survivors the opportunity to sue not just the individual who abused them, but, if appropriate, the institution or entity responsible for overseeing the individual’s actions.
According to the Wall Street Journal, in the first month that the extension was available, more than 700 lawsuits taking advantage of the change have been filed in the New York courts, and hundreds more are expected. The defendants include not just the named individual perpetrators, but also hospitals, churches, summer camps, schools, baseball leagues and after-school clubs.
A Caring Sexual Abuse Lawyer Can Help Survivors Obtain Closure
Because sexual abuse lawyer Michael Lamonsoff is deeply aware of the challenges that face these victims of early abuse, he is extending a helping hand to them that is unique and positive. With two masters degrees in psychology as well as a law degree, Mr. Lamonsoff offers an understanding and friendly ear to those who may have kept sexual abuse trauma a painful secret. His professional compassion, along with years of experience battling for justice in the New York state courts, have made him the attorney of choice for survivors of sexual abuse looking for justice at last.
If you or a loved one suffered child sexual abuse more than 5 years ago and are now past the age of 23, you may have a limited time in which to bring a legal claim against those responsible. For help in determining how you can preserve and protect your rights, call the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PC at 877-MSL-4LAW for a no-cost consultation.