Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) announced that she helped pass legislation to make it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring charges against their abuser (A.5885-A). The measure, known as the Child Victims Act, extends the civil and criminal statutes of limitations to give victims more time to seek justice.

“This legislation helps put the power back in the hands of victims, giving them a chance to seek justice against those who robbed them of their innocence,” Jean-Pierre said. “It can take years for victims to come to terms with their abuse enough to speak out against their abusers. They endured something no one should, and the least they deserve is to be heard and supported.”

The Assembly bill extends the statute of limitations, allowing criminal cases to be commenced until the victim turns 28 for felonies and 25 for misdemeanors, and allows survivors to file a civil suit against their abuser until their 50th birthday. The measure would also institute a one-year “look back window” for past victims to commence a civil action.

Additionally, the measure treats public and private entities equally by removing the current notice of claim requirement for public entities. It also requires judges to undergo additional training for cases involving sexual abuse of minors and gives revived cases a trial preference so they’re moved forward more quickly. These steps will remove barriers to the criminal justice process and give more victims their day in court, Jean-Pierre noted.