State judge upholds constitutionality of Child Victims Act

A state judge on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of New York’s landmark law that lifted the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims from years ago.

In doing so, state Supreme Court Judge Steven Jaeger of Nassau County rejected a bid by the Diocese of Rockville Centre to dismiss 44 lawsuits filed against it under the Child Victims Act. Enacted in 2019, the law created a special “look back” period in which New York is allowing the filing of molestation lawsuits previously blocked by time limits.

An attorney representing many claimants hailed the decision.

“This is a victory for the survivors, their families, and all of those fighting back against decades of abuse,” said Jennifer Freeman of the Marsh Law Firm, which has represented some 700 clients under the CVA. “The Diocese of Rockville Centre attempted to protect their institution by fighting to strip survivors of their right to seek justice, but they’ve failed.”