PRESS RELEASE | FACT SHEET | PAMPHLET | PRESENTATION

On May 3, 2019, the Statute of Limitations Amendment Act of 2018 became effective law. Not only did the law end the criminal and civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse, it also opened a two year window for victims to file civil claims even if they were previously time-barred under the old statute of limitations.

Now individuals have until the age of 40, or 5 years from when they knew, or reasonably should have known, of any act constituting sexual abuse, whichever is later, to file a civil action. The window closes on May 3, 2021.

Councilmember David Grosso has partnered with the Zero Abuse Project and National Crime Victim Bar Association to educate the public and raise awareness of this two year window and connect victims to resources to heal and seek justice.

Councilmember Grosso and the Zero Abuse Project hosted a town hall on Nov. 6, 2019 at 6pm in the John A. Wilson Building to discuss changes to the statute of limitations requirements for child sexual abuse in states and cities around the country.

Zero Abuse Project Chief Executive Officer Jeff Dion guided a conversation with leading child welfare advocates and sexual abuse prevention experts about a new opportunity for survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice. In addition, the townhall included the voices of survivors and the Councilmembers who have been critical in seeing the bill into law. You can find the full presentation from the town hall here.

Resources

  • National Sexual Assault Hotline - No matter the stage of recovery, confidential, anonymous support is available 24/7 for survivors and loved ones.

  • DC Victim Hotline - Represents an unprecedented collaboration of service providers in DC who are working to seamlessly connect victims of crime to free, resources and to help them navigate the physical, financial, legal, and emotional repercussions of crime.

  • National Crime Victim Bar Association - Certified by the American Bar Association, NCVBA offers a referral service for survivors who would like to pursue civil suits. Referrals are based on type of case and location. Each survivor will be offered three referrals.

  • Other Resources

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