The new law will go into effect January 1, 2014.
Language that is music to my ears
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an action for damages based on childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time
Senator Collins Lauds Law To Aid Sex Crimes’ Victims
State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-16th) applauded the signing last Friday of a law that removes the statute of limitations on filing charges of sexual assault or abuse when the victim was younger than 18 and when there is either corroborating physical evidence or evidence that a mandated reporter knew about the crime but failed to notify authorities.
“This law gives the gift of time to victims of horrific crimes,” Collins said. “Letting them take all the time they need to come forward may offer these victims peace and closure, could prevent a child molester from victimizing others and — most importantly — gives justice a chance.”
“With 33 states already having abolished the statute of limitations for at least some sex crimes against minors, there is a growing movement toward allowing these prosecutions to be initiated at any time,” Collins said. “We are realizing there is no reason not to give a solid case its day in court.”
Progress
Day by day, step by step, we are providing victims with hope. We are saying, as a society, we see you, we hear you, WE BELIEVE YOU. We are slowly peeling back the shroud of secrecy and shining the brightest light on childhood sexual abuse. Soon, pedophiles will have nowhere to hide and we can perhaps strive to be a world that relieves victims of the stigma of child sexual abuse, and equips adults with the courage, knowledge and tools necessary to identify and report suspected child sexual abuse without fear of repercussion.