For Immediate Release
March 17, 2015
Contact: Dionne Johnson Calhoun
(202) 724-8105
Grosso’s Bill Eliminates Civil Statute of Limitations in Child Sex Abuse Cases
Washington, D.C. – Today, Councilmember David Grosso (I-At Large) introduced the Childhood Protection Against Sexual Abuse Amendment Act of 2015. This legislation would eliminate the statute of limitations for the recovery of damages arising out of sexual abuse that occurred when a victim was a minor. Additionally, the bill creates a two-year window for individuals whose claims were previously time-barred.
“There are few actions more depraved than sexual violence or abuse against children,” said Grosso. “Because most victims of childhood sexual abuse do not come forward until much later in their adult lives, we need to ensure that the statute of limitations is not a barrier to justice. A person who victimizes a child should never be able to hide behind time.”
Currently there are seven states that no longer have a civil statute of limitations for claims of childhood sexual abuse. Last week, the Utah state legislature passed similar legislation, removing the statute of limitations for civil actions against perpetrators of child sex abuse.
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