New Legislation to Open One-Year “Look-Back” Window this November for Adult Sexual Abuse Survivors to Pursue Justice Against Their Abusers and Any Institutions that Protected Those Abusers
On May 24, 2022, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Adult Survivors Act (S.66/A.648) into law. This legislation will create a one-year look-back window, during which old sexual abuse and sexual violence claims that had already passed the statute of limitations can be revived for prosecution. This marks a significant expansion of the time frame in which abuse suits can be brought forward in New York State by individuals who were 18 years of age or older when the violations made against them occurred.
The new NY State Time Extension for the Filing of New Lawsuits by Adult Abuse Survivors Will Start in 6 Months — on November 24, 2022.
New York’s 2019 Child Victims Act opened a one-year window for people who experienced sexual abuse as children to bring lawsuits, but at that time adult victims were not given the same extended opportunity. This new legislation reopens the window for the filing of claims by adult abuse survivors who were previously barred from seeking justice in the courts against their abusers and any institutions that protected them.
The New York Adult Survivors Act is an historic major step forward for adult sexual abuse survivors. Its provisions include:
- Opening a one-year window for adult sexual abuse survivors to bring lawsuits for abuse that occurred, even decades ago
- Reviving previously barred actions related to past sexual abuse of adults
The one-year window allowing prosecution for abuse that occurred even decades ago will open in 6 months, on November 24, 2022 and will close on November 24, 2023.
Proven Advocates for Victims of Sexual Abuse
Lieff Cabraser has successfully represented survivors across the U.S. who have been victimized by sexual violence and sexual abuse. We treat every client with individual care, respect, and deep compassion as we bring our comprehensive legal skills forward on each case. We have a dedicated team of experienced lawyers, nurse consultants, and paralegals who work closely with every abuse survivor client in every case to see that justice is won. Click here to contact a lawyer at Lieff Cabraser if you have specific questions or want to discuss an abuse survivor lawsuit in New York or any other state..
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