NEWARK (NJ)
Star Ledger
June 11, 2019
By Michael G. Donahue
After nearly 20 years of advocacy, New Jersey recently passed a historic law providing new and extended protections for victims of sexual abuse by lengthening the statute of limitations to pursue a civil claim as a result of various sexual abuse related offenses. Those who have fought for these extended protections should be commended for their perseverance and courage in sharing their emotional and painful experiences for the betterment of our society.
The new protections, signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy, will take effect Dec. 1, 2019. It features the following reform measures:
A two-year window from enactment for the filing of any civil case alleging adult or minor sexual abuse that occurred in the past;
Those who were sexually abused in the past as minors who miss the two-year filing window will be able to bring their cause of action until the age of 55; and
Those 55 and older who allege delays in connecting past abuse to damages will have an opportunity to seek justice through the courts, within seven years from the date they made that connection.
This new law additionally eliminates notice of deadlines and procedures for potential claims against government entities. By adopting this law, New Jersey has recognized that the mere passage of time should not be the sole basis used to silence a legitimate claim against a sexual abuser or the organization that allowed or concealed abuse.
New Jersey’s new law comes soon after the state’s five Roman Catholic dioceses released the names of 188 priests credibly accused of sexually abusing minors over decades and the Boy Scouts of America released names of leaders accused of similar crimes. In tandem, the state also announced the creation of a compensation fund for the victims.
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