With Child Victims Act "Lookback Window" Now Open, Senator Anna Kaplan Urges Survivors to Seek Justice Under New Law

(Carle Place, NY) -- Senator Anna M. Kaplan today announced the opening of the ‘lookback window’ established by the Child Victims Act (S.2440) and urged survivors of childhood sex abuse to seek justice.

Survivors of past child sexual abuse now have the opportunity to seek justice on allegations that had previously been time-barred. This one-year window allows for lawsuits to be initiated against abusers and the institutions that let the abuse happen.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "for far too long, survivors of childhood sex abuse have been denied justice in our state. These survivors have been repeatedly re-victimized by laws that don't take into consideration the complicated decision one must make before coming forward and speaking out about abuse. I'm proud to have fought for the passage of the CVA so that survivors can have an opportunity to have their day in court and confront their abusers."

The legislation, S.2440 sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman and Co-sponsored by Senator Anna M. Kaplan, raises the criminal statute of limitations for several child sexual abuse crimes to age 28, and raises the civil statute of limitations for causes of action brought by someone seeking redress for physical, psychological, or other injury caused by child sexual abuse to age 55. Additionally, this legislation will create a one-year window, starting today (August 14, 2019), for past survivors of child sexual abuse to initiate lawsuits against their abusers, and create parity in how regulations impact public and private institutions under these circumstances.

The 'lookback window' that opens today will conclude on August 14, 2020, and during this time, any statute of limitation or notice of claim requirement otherwise existing in law will not bar past child victims from bringing forth claims.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan concluded "Survivors deserve an opportunity for healing, and those who commit crimes against children must be held accountable. With this law now in effect and the 'lookback window' now open for one year, I urge all survivors to consider taking action so that these abusers can be brought to justice, and so that survivors can hopefully find some closure."