State Senator Brad Hoylman and a bevy of other Manhattan electeds were ecstatic to see the Child Victims Act become law, further empowering adults who were victims of sexual abuse as children.
The Child Victims act, signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Feb. 14, extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting child abuse cases. People who experienced child abuse can now file civil cases against those who victimized them up to age 55. The act also makes it no longer necessary to file a notice of claim for sex crimes committed against minors.
“We are here today because survivors who endured unimaginable pain came forward with great courage and sacrificed their own privacy to make change for others,” said Cuomo. “This bill brings justice to people who were abused, and rights the wrongs that went unacknowledged and unpunished for too long. By signing this bill, we are saying nobody is above the law, that the cloak of authority is not impenetrable, and that if you violate the law, we will find out and you will be punished and justice will be done.”
Brad Hoylman, one of the key proponents of the bill, was elated to see Cuomo signed it.
“For years, survivors of child sexual abuse looked to Albany for justice and for years, their pleas went unanswered,” Hoylman said in a statement. “No longer. With the Child Victims Act now signed into law by Governor Cuomo, survivors of child sexual abuse in New York State finally have the opportunity to seek justice against their abusers and the institutions who may have harbored them.”
Assemblywoman Linda B. Rosenthal, another outspoken advocate of the bill, gave kudos to all of the lawmakers who fought for its passage.
“Today, after 13 long and hard years of fighting, we open a pathway to justice, and perhaps some modicum of healing, for survivors of childhood sexual assault,” said Rosenthal. “With the passage of the Child Victims Act into law, New York State sends the unequivocal and powerful message that we stand with survivors against predators, no matter how powerful. Today, we learn that not all heroes wear capes: the brave women and men who fought for years to see this bill become law have helped to make this state safer for everyone. I thank each of them for their courage and advocacy.”
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Harvey Epstein gave a shout out to the women who attended the signing of the act and shared stories about their past victimization.
“Very honored to have these strong women as colleagues,” Epstein said in a tweet. “They stood up and told their stories as we voted on this bill to provide a pathway to justice for many people.”
