Sexual Abuse Reform Bills Currently in Massachusetts’ Legislature
Posted on: May 21, 2021 Sexual Abuse & Assault Lawsuits
Several Bills have been filed by Massachusetts Senate and House leaders to open up avenues to civil justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. A number of these Bills propose removing the civil statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse and opening up a permanent revival window for time-barred claims.
Currently, the civil statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims in Massachusetts is capped at 53 years of age. Technically, this means that someone who was sexually abused as a minor, but is not ready to come forward and report their abuse until they are passed age 53, would not be able to file a claim in court against their abuser because the statute of limitations on their claim would have passed. However, survivors of child sexual abuse are encouraged to consult with an experienced sexual abuse attorney to see if, in fact, their claim is time-barred as this may not always be the case.
Bill S. 1088 is sponsored by Senator Joan Lovely and is important for survivors of child sexual abuse. S. 1088 would eliminate the civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse as well as open a permanent revival window for time-barred claims. If this bill were to pass, it would be a major victory for survivors as it is well-documented that it can take a survivor of childhood sexual abuse years before he or she is ready to come forward and talk about the abuse. A law which eliminates the statute of limitations means a survivor can come forward when they are ready. Survivors of child sexual abuse shouldn’t feel forced to come forward and report what happened to them just because a date on the calendar is approaching. Seeking justice is a large part of the healing process for survivors and access to that justice should be available whenever a victim is ready.
Massachusetts citizens should contact their Senators and Representatives and urge them to sign onto bills like this to get them passed into law. Current statute of limitations laws only serve to protect abusers, it is survivors who need your help now.
The reform bill can be viewed on the Massachusetts legislature website.
Massachusetts Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual abuse or assault contact our firm today or learn more by visiting our Massachusetts sexual abuse lawsuits page. Our firm reviews cases of sexual abuse and assault and can help you understand your legal options. Your time to file sexual abuse and assault claim is limited. Call us today at 1-800-941-7209 for a FREE and PRIVATE consultation.