New York Child Victims Act (CVA)

The New York Child Victims Act (CVA) originally authorized victims of sexual abuse to file lawsuits against abusers and their institutions for one year starting August 15, 2019.  Governor Cuomo subsequently extended the one year filing window for an additional five months so that it now expires on January 14, 2021.

This one-time window will permit the filing of hundreds, if not thousands, of cases that were previously barred due to the statute of limitations that precluded victims from bringing lawsuits after they turned 23 years of age. The “look-back window” of one-year permits survivors of any age to bring lawsuits against their attackers regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. In addition to the “look-back window,” survivors of sexual abuse can now file civil lawsuits for sexual abuse until they reach the age of 55. The new law also allows prosecutors to file criminal charges against abusers until the survivor turns 28 years old.

If you or a loved one was abused by someone you trusted, please call us now. Before making a decision concerning such serious and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy, Boy Scout leaders, teachers, coaches or other authority figures, or people you trusted, to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim. We are here to help you.