Women who accuse Jeffrey Epstein of sexually abusing them as minors will be eligible to bring civil claims for one year starting mid-August under New York Child Victims Act. While the charges against Epstein are from more than a decade ago, the victims – then children and now young women – are no less entitled to their day in court.
Epstein was charged in a 13-page indictment in Manhattan Federal Court with conspiracy and sex trafficking charges that carry a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison. He is accused of abusing girls as young as 14 between 2002 and 2005, meaning his alleged victims are likely now in their late 20’s or older. If it was not for the Child Victims Act, survivors over the age of 23 would not have the legal option to file civil claims against Epstein for the heinous crimes he is charged with committing.
The Impact of the Child Victims Act
Many people who experienced sexual abuse years ago were not able to sue under New York laws until February 14, 2019, when the New York legislature passed the Child Victims Act. The Child Victims Act extends the statute of limitations to report abuse. It also creates a one-year look back window for those who were previously barred to bring their case to court. This means the law will be effective on August 14, 2019, and survivors must pursue their case before August 14, 2020 when the window will close.
The Child Victims Act at its heart is about increasing avenues to justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse in New York State. This applies whether survivors were abused by clergy, by teachers, by coaches, or by billionaires.
NYC Child Sex Abuse Attorney
If you or a loved one is the victim of childhood sexual abuse, you need to know how the Child Victims Act can help you get the justice you deserve. For more information or to better understand how this law can help you, please call our professional help center at 212-385-4410.
