Child Victims Act: State lawmakers confident courts can handle thousands of expected lawsuits

In February, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, signed into law legislation that gives victims of childhood sexual abuse more time to seek criminal charges or file lawsuits against abusers.

Victims can file civil lawsuits unit they are 55 and seek criminal charges until 28, as opposed to 23 under the old law. The measure was approved by the Democratically-controlled state Legislature.

“Possibly, (there will be thousands) but in no way should that be the reason why we do or not do something in New York state ... .,” Skoufis said. “I think there might be thousands, but these individuals deserve their day in court.