The New York State Civil Rights Commission has just passed the New York State Victims of Crime Act, which, among other things, new laws would make filing a civil lawsuit against anyone who participated in any sex crimes against children a lot easier. Let me explain. In recent years the media, pediatricians and everyone in general has tended to focus more on the sensational, horrifying details of child sexual abuse cases, making the case against the accused adults seem more like a comedy instead of a serious crime. This is bad for victims and the survivors of child sexual abuse. It also makes it a lot more difficult for the alleged victims to receive compensation in a civil court.
This is why we need the new York child victims act: so that victims and their families may be able to seek justice and compensation for their suffering. I am a survivor of sexual abuse and have been fighting to get justice for myself and other child victims since I was a child. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the dedicated work and tireless efforts of professionals such as myself, lawyers, advocates and counselors who tirelessly strive every day to see justice and healing for all those who suffer. But this is not enough. We need to pass this new York child victims act so that victims and their families may one day be able to seek retribution for their injuries and pain. This may mean a lifelong impact on victims, their families, their lives and everything they hold dear.
So let’s discuss this new York child victims act: and why victims and their families should come forward more than ever. First and foremost, there are many unanswered questions surrounding the cases of child sexual abuse survivors. For example, many of these alleged victims are being asked why they did not report the abuse sooner. It is believed that there may be a lack of support for victims within the community. And unfortunately, many of these alleged perpetrators may never have faced justice for the crimes of which they are accused.
This new York child victims act: seeks to address some of these needs of victims and their families. First, it seeks to amend the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. The current statute of limitations for such cases is 55 years. This act hopes to bring that statute of limitation period down to a more reasonable number, hopefully closer to ten years. Victims and their families would have greater peace of mind when the time comes to bring this crime into the legal system.
There are some other provisions in this landmark legislation: which may benefit victims and their families. For example, there is currently no statute of limitations for civil lawsuits that stem from sexual abuse. This means that if you or someone you know has been harmed as the result of a sexual abuse, you do not have to worry about whether or not you will be able to obtain compensation. The New York State Department of Health has been tasked with creating a website where victims and their families can go to seek assistance. The site offers forms for you to fill out in order to file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible for your loved one’s injuries and suffering.
As the state of New York works hard to ensure: its residents have adequate representation in civil courtrooms, it is also working to ensure that it provides its former citizens with the resources they need in order to secure justice for past and present generations of childhood sexual abuse victims. Hopefully, this effort will serve as a model for other states as well. After all, even decades after a traumatic experience, children still have feelings and emotions that can’t always be understood.
But when survivors speak up and ask for help, the court system can provide the type of representation that helps them get the justice they deserve.