The Child Victims Act goes into effect on Wednesday — a landmark law expected to unleash a torrent of lawsuits from victims of child sex abuse seeking long-awaited justice.
The new law opens up a so-called “look-back window” for one year and one year only, allowing victims of any age to seek civil action against their abusers, regardless of how long ago the abuse happened.
After the one year, which only applies to civil action, victims have up until the age of 55 to file a lawsuit against their abusers and the institutions that enabled the abuse to go on.
The new law also streamlines the legal process by eliminating the requirement to file a notice of claim, the precursor to a lawsuit.
“[Wednesday] is a profound day for [the victims],” said lawyer Michael Pfau, whose firm and another firm will file dozens of suits on behalf of more than 550 victims.
“It is really hitting home to our clients that after 10, 20, 50 years, they are going to have a voice in this state and in this court system to tell their stories and obtain justice.”
Pfau’s complaints will be lodged against Rockefeller University Hospital, long accused of allowing a late pediatrician to molest dozens of young patients, and the beleaguered Boy Scouts of America.
“We are also filing lawsuits against the Roman Catholic Church, against every diocese in the state,” Pfau said. “We are going to see real change in these institutions that have harbored and employed these pedophiles. Their legal exposure will force change.”