SAFE HORIZON RESPONDS TO PENDING LEGISLATION TO END STATUES OF LIMITATION ON SEX CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN
May 3, 2016 (New York, NY) Safe Horizon’s CEO, Ariel Zwang, made the following statement in response to pending legislation that is currently being considered by New York State legislators. The Child Victims Act (A2872A/S63A) would completely eliminate the civil statutes of limitation for child sexual abuse crimes in the future. Additionally, it creates a one-year “window” to allow survivors to file civil litigation retrospectively against their abuser(s). A companion bill (A8567/S6436) will eliminate the criminal statutes of limitation for child sex abuse in the future.
“Today and tomorrow, hundreds of advocates will take to Albany to urge New York State legislators to pass a pair of bills that will eliminate the statutes of limitation on sex crimes committed against children. Every year, 1 in 10 American children are sexually abused before age 18. However, many may not seek justice until years later due to the pressure to remain silent, the fear of not being believed or the many years it can take to work up the courage to confront their abuser in a court of law. Passing these statutes of limitation bills into law will greatly expand the ability for child sex abuse victims to seek justice and hold their abusers responsible for their actions. Safe Horizon strongly urges our elected officials to pass these long-overdue statutes of limitation bills now. We are particularly grateful to Assembly Member Margaret Markey and State Senator Brad Hoylman for their unwavering efforts to move these bills forward and allow survivors of childhood sexual abuse greater avenues to justice.”
Last year alone, Safe Horizon, the nation’s largest victim’s services agency, helped more than 5,000 child abuse survivors through its Child Advocacy Centers.
About Safe Horizon
Safe Horizon empowers victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence – touching the lives of 250, 000 New Yorkers every year.