NEW YORK
Legislative Gazette
Written by By THOMAS GIERY PUDNEY, assistant editor on June 8, 2017
The Assembly passed a long-contested Child Victims Act bill Wednesday afternoon, giving childhood sexual abuse victims hope they may soon have the opportunity seek justice for crimes committed years ago.
Passing by a margin of 129-7, the Child Victims Act (A.5885-a) extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of sexual acts committed against a child from 23 to 28 years of age, and allows for civil action until the victim’s 50th birthday. The bill also allows for a one year “lookback window” during which victims are allowed to file suit against abusers formerly protected by the statute of limitations in New York state, which is one of the most limited in the country.
This one-year window has been the main sticking point for this bill over the last several years. Churches and other organizations fear an onslaught of legal actions for abuse that may have happened decades ago, holding innocent members and donors financially responsible for crimes they didn’t commit.
On the other hand, proponents of the bill say allowing previous victims to seek compensation is the only way victims will find justice and closure.
“Legislators have a responsibility to protect kids. Senate Republicans have failed miserably at this.” said Gary Greenberg, an abuse survivor and founder of the Fighting for Children Public Action Committee. “I call on this governor to speak up now . . . provide safety, protect our kids, bring justice for victims and take predators off the street.”
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