In wake of the coronavirus pandemic slowing or halting the U.S.’s justice system, Governor Andrew Cuomo decided to extend a window of time that completely removes New York statute of limitations for filing sexual abuse lawsuits. On May 8, Gov. Cuomo extended New York’s Child Victims Act (CVA) an additional five months so sexual abuse survivors could have their day in court. New York stopped accepting new cases in March due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Because of the reduction in court services due to the virus, we are extending that window for an additional five months until January 14th to ensure survivors have the access to the courts that they need to file a claim and get the long-overdue justice they deserve,” Cuomo said after announcing the window extension.
New York’s Child Victims act was passed last year and opened up a one-year look back window that completely removes the state’s statute of limitations for filing civil suits for sexual abuse during that period of time. Even claims that were previously considered “ineligible” under old statute of limitations can be revived during this one-year period of time. So far around 1,700 lawsuits have been filed since the look back window opened, abuse survivors filing claims against abusers and institutions like the Boy Scouts of America and the Catholic Church.
The one-year look back window was set to expire August 14, 2020. Now, the new deadline is scheduled for January 14, 2021.
“As the unemployment rate spikes above 14%, it’s unreasonable to expect survivors of child sexual abuse to do the emotional and legal work necessary to file CVA lawsuits while simultaneously fighting to pay rent and put food on the table,” said Dem. Brad Hoylman, a New York state senator who pushed for the look back window extension.
Were You Sexually Abused in the Mormon Church in New York?
If you were a victim of sexual abuse in New York, you may have an extended chance to pursue justice against your abusers or institutions that covered up your abuse, like the Mormon Church. We understand that filing a claim against the Church that you put your trust into can be difficult. The sexual abuse attorneys with Abused in Mormonism are here to help you through this hard time and value your voice.
We help survivors of sexual abuse in the Mormon Church seek the healing and recovery they need through filing a claim against their abusers and holding them accountable for your abuse. This extension of the Child Victims Act may give you the time and chance you need to hold your abusers in the Church responsible for their crimes against you. To speak to a caring representative today and see if you may be eligible to file a claim for your abuse, contact Abused in Mormonism today at 877.LDS.ATTY.
