On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Governor Hochul signed the Adult Survivors Act (S.66A/A.648A). This important piece of legislation allows survivors who were sexually assaulted at age 18 or older to file civil lawsuits in New York, regardless of when the abuse occurred and even if any statutes of limitations have run out. Adult survivors of sexual assault will be able to file the civil lawsuits during the one-year lookback window which begins on November 24, 2022.
Civil suits for survivors can look like many things: individuals and/or institutions being held accountable, compensation, a chance to tell their truths, a means to deter institutions to turn a blind eye to future abuse – all of which are components to what restorative justice could look like. Over the past few years, New York State has passed many bills which support survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Bills like the Adult Survivors Act help our legal system to recognize the impact of trauma and give survivors an opportunity to heal.
Learn More: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S66
If you need assistance regarding the Adult Survivor’s Act, you can contact our Support Line: (315) 468-3260.
