a court of law passed the Assembly on Tuesday.
“Abuse can leave lifelong physical and emotional scars. Childhood sexual abuse victims are left dealing with trauma long after the cycle of abuse has ended,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“The Child Victims Act helps ensure that survivors of abuse are given time to heal and come to terms with their victimization so that they can seek justice and move forward,” she added.
The Child Victims Act amends the criminal procedure law to extend the statute of lmitations for criminal proceedings, allowing cases to be commenced until the victim turns 28 for felonies and 25 for misdemeanors. It also permits victims to file civil actions up until their
50th birthday.
The bill creates a one-year “look back window” for past victims to bring charges against their abusers. It also gives a trial preference to these revived civil cases so that vctims who have waited years to be recognized are heard, Assemblywoman Jenne noted.
The act removes the current notice of claim requirement for public entities.
Under current law, individuals who plan to sue a public entity must notify the entity of their intent to do so within 90 days.
The bill also requires judges to undergo additional training for cases involving the sexual abuse of minors to make the criminal justice process less difficult for victims coming forward.
“All too often, trying to speak up and press charges against an abuser reopens sensitive wounds,” Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“Survivors deserve our support, and this bill gives them a voice and a platform to seek justice. Facing an abuser takes remarkable bravery, and the criminal justice process should empower the victims rather than force them into the shadows,” she added.