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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Wednesday that the landmark Child Victims Act has gone into effect. Under this measure, individuals who have experienced sex abuse are now able to bring a lawsuit against their abusers regardless of when the abuse occurred. Survivors whose claims have been time-barred are now given a one-year window to have their day in court. Cuomo signed the bill in February 2019, accomplishing a key component of the Governor's Justice Agenda.

"Child sexual abuse is a real epidemic. It's been in the corners and in the shadows, but it is much more widespread than people want to admit," Cuomo said. "The Child Victims Act says if you were sexually abused as a child, you have a right to justice and to make your case. Children have legal rights, and if you abuse a child, you're going to have your day in court and you're going to be called to answer for it."

The Child Victims Act provides necessary relief to child victims of sexual abuse by amending New York's antiquated laws to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions, regardless of when the crime occurred. This legislation:

• Increases the amount of time during which perpetrators of these crimes may be held criminally accountable;
• Allows victims of these crimes to commence a civil lawsuit at any time before they reach 55 years of age;
• Provides victims whose claims have been time-barred a new opportunity for their day in court by opening a one-year window for them to commence their action;
• Eliminates the need to file a notice of claim for sexual offenses committed against a minor;
• Requires judicial training with respect to crimes involving the sexual abuse of minors;
• Authorizes the Office of Court Administration to promulgate rules and regulations for the timely adjudication of revived actions.

The Governor signed legislation (S.273A/A.5842) Tuesday to include bus drivers to the list of mandated reporters of abuse in private schools.

"The safety and well-being of our children is the top priority of this administration and I'm proud to sign this legislation and help close this loophole in the law," Governor Cuomo said. "In New York, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect our young people and with this measure we take one more step toward a safer and stronger New York for all."

Under current law, bus drivers employed at public schools are required to report all allegations of child abuse. This new law corrects an inequity in the law by expanding that requirement to bus drivers employed by private schools.

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