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The Child Victims Act and Legal Action Against Sex Offenders

The New York State Child Victims Act: Justice for Abuse Victims Under the New York State Child Victims Act, it’s easier for child sex abuse victims to seek justice as adults. Sexual abuse is a crime that sends shivers of revulsion through the public, especially when the victim of the abuse is only a child. […]

The New York State Child Victims Act: Justice for Abuse Victims

Under the New York State Child Victims Act, it’s easier for child sex abuse victims to seek justice as adults. Sexual abuse is a crime that sends shivers of revulsion through the public, especially when the victim of the abuse is only a child. Now, thanks to New York lawmakers, perpetrators will no longer be able to hide behind the statute of limitations. If you’ve been a victim of this heinous crime, a Child Victims Act lawyer at Parker Waichman LLP can help you pursue a case against your abuser. Call us today for a free consultation. You’ll talk with a member of our legal team that understands the courage it takes to speak up against abuse and has the knowledge needed to support you or a loved one during this trying experience.

What Is the NY Child Victims Act of 2019?

At the New York State Capitol, shown here, legislators passed the NY Child Victims Act in 2019

The New York State Child Victims Act is a law intended to protect the rights of child sex abuse victims to file lawsuits against their abusers years after the abuse took place. The New York Child Victims Act was signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Feb. 14, 2019.

New Under the Child Victims Act in NY: Statute of Limitations Extensions

The biggest change under the Child Victims Act is a statute of limitations extension for victims to file lawsuits. Previously, survivors of child sex abuse had until they were 23 to file a civil lawsuit against their abusers or press felony criminal charges. However, with the passage of the Child Victims Act in New York in 2019, victims now have until they turn 55 to seek compensation in a civil suit and until they turn 28 to press felony charges.

The second key provision of the Child Victims Act is NY is a statute creating a one-year “lookback” period during which adult victims of childhood sex abuse who already ran out of time to file a civil lawsuit under the previous statute of limitations can now file a claim. This period began on Aug. 14, 2019.

New York Governor Extends Deadline For Childhood Sex Abuse Victims to File Their Claim Under the Child Victims Act

May 8, 2020 – Albany, NY – According to an online news release from Governor.NY.Gov, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.28 in support of victims of childhood sexual abuse. The Executive Order extends the window for childhood sex abuse victims to file their actions to recover monetary compensation under the Child Victims Act (CVA). Victims of childhood sexual abuse now have until January 14, 2021, to file their claim. Last year, Governor Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act in New York, which empowered the victims of sexual abuse as children to file a claim until August 14, 2020.

Parker Waichman LLP, a New York law firm, is offering a free case review to childhood sexual abuse victims. Parker Waichman LLP is currently representing several victims in their childhood sex abuse lawsuits. If you were a victim of childhood sexual abuse, please contact Parker Waichman LLP at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) for your free consultation.

On May 8, 2020, our firm’s founding attorney Jerry Parker issued a press release explaining how Executive Order 202.28 will ease the concerns of sex abuse victims. Many victims have not been able to speak with an attorney about filing a claim or work with their attorney on their sex abuse lawsuits due to the coronavirus stay-at-home orders.

In a news report published on PRNewswire.com, attorney Jerry Parker said, “It was going to make it impossible for these victims to file their Child Victims Act (CVA) actions under the old deadline of August 14, 2020. Their abusers would be allowed to escape. That can’t happen now, thanks to the Governor.”

The delicate nature of a childhood sex abuse lawsuit requires the victim to work closely with their legal counsel to prepare their case with the utmost care and concern. Attorney Parker told news agencies that there is no substitute for a face-to-face preparation of a case, and these cases are very “personal and raw.” Attorney Parker stated that several of the defendants are large organizations with multiple sex abuse cases pending, and the defendants were expected to introduce “motions to dismiss” before the old Child Victims Act (CVA) deadline of August 14, 2020

New York’s Child Victims Act was enacted in order to ensure the victims of childhood sexual abuse have a path to justice. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic caused a decrease in court services that have restricted sex abuse victims ‘victims’ ability to file their claims and adequately prepare their cases with a lawyer.

Governor Cuomo stated in a news release, “Many aspects of society have been closed down or are less operational during this pandemic, and the court system is among them. Because of the reduction in court services due to the virus, we are extending that window for an additional five months until January 14, 2021 to ensure survivors have access to the courts that they need to file a claim and get the long-overdue justice they deserve.”

Pursuing Justice Through the Child Victims Act

With the passage of the Child Victims Act, many victims of sex abuse in New York now face the tough question of whether to file suit for their trauma, and the Parker Waichman law firm stands ready to assist these victims of childhood sex abuse. Under the Child Victims Act, a sex abuse lawsuit can be pursued:

  • If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual abuse as a minor
  • If you have not already received compensation for this abuse
  • If you are under age 55

If you meet these qualifications, we strongly recommend that you use our contact form to receive a free, no-obligation case consultation with an experienced Child Victims Act attorney at Parker Waichman.

Is the New York State Child Victims Act Applicable to Victims of Jeffrey Epstein?

Yes: Victims of convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was found dead in his jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, can also pursue legal action against his estate under the New York State Child Victims Act. Call Parker Waichman today and we can help you seek justice.

Pope Francis Lifts Vatican Secrecy Law for Child Abuse Claims

Pope Francis took steps to address clerical abuse claims in December 2019 by altering a Vatican law that many claimed was helping to shield abusers from prosecution. The church had a policy of “pontifical secrecy” to keep Vatican state secrets confidential when officials exchanged information within the organization, but as abuse scandals mounted against the Church, many invoked the secrecy law, ostensibly to protect victims’ privacy. Unfortunately, the law seemed to stand in the way of law enforcement officers who were attempting to investigate allegations. The church’s penalty for violating the secrecy law was excommunication, making many people afraid to speak out.

Now that this law is no longer applicable in abuse cases, the Vatican says that it will release any testimony from these investigations to the appropriate state authorities. Over several decades and across the globe, thousands of people have alleged abuse at the hands of priests, and under the Child Victims Act statute of limitations, New York victims of any age who suffered childhood abuse at the hands of the clergy can pursue a lawsuit.

Seek Justice With the Help
of Skilled New York Child
Victims Act Lawyers
Today

Under the Child Victims Act, many more people can now seek compensation from those who perpetrated these unthinkable acts. If you or a loved one were the victim of sex abuse, contact the experienced lawyers at Parker Waichman today. With our help, you can file a NY Child Victims Act lawsuit and get the results you deserve. We’re one of the top law firms for sexual abuse cases, and we’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. And when you work with a Child Victims Act attorney from our firm, you’ll pay nothing out of pocket for our services: We only get paid once you get a jury award or settlement.

Parker Waichman is dedicated to handling your case with sensitivity and compassion, and will fight hard to get you the best possible result under the Child Victims Act. The law and our knowledgeable legal team are on your side, inspired by your courage and dedicated to obtaining justice for victims of child abuse and their families. Please contact us for a free legal consultation today to learn more about how attorneys with Parker Waichman can help you.

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Further sex abuse resources:

Child victims act
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