What Happened to You
as a Child
Still Has a Case.
New York's Child Victims Act gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse until age 55 to sue their abuser — and the institution that protected them. Even if the abuse happened decades ago.
What Is the NY Child Victims Act?
Signed into law on February 14, 2019 and effective August 14, 2019, the Child Victims Act (CVA) fundamentally changed how New York handles childhood sexual abuse cases. Before the CVA, most survivors had to file civil claims before age 23 — an arbitrary deadline that ignored the psychological reality of trauma. Most survivors don't disclose abuse, if at all, until decades later. The old law protected abusers, not victims.
The CVA corrected this in two major ways: it permanently extended the civil statute of limitations to age 55, and it created a temporary "look-back window" allowing previously time-barred claims from survivors of any age to be filed. That window ran from August 14, 2019 through August 14, 2021 (extended due to COVID-19). More than 10,000 lawsuits were filed during that period.
The look-back window is now closed. But the permanent age-55 statute of limitations remains in full force. If you are under 55 and were sexually abused as a child in New York, you may still be able to file — regardless of when the abuse occurred.
CVA Timeline
CVA Signed Into Law
Governor Cuomo signs the Child Victims Act after over a decade of advocacy. Takes effect six months later.
Look-Back Window Opens
Survivors of any age can now file civil suits for previously time-barred claims. 10,000+ lawsuits filed. Four Catholic dioceses file for bankruptcy.
Look-Back Window Closes
Extended one year due to COVID-19. The special revival window is now permanently closed. Survivors who missed it cannot use it.
Age-55 SOL Remains Active
Any survivor of childhood sexual abuse in NY who is currently under 55 can still sue — abusers and the institutions that enabled them.
Third Dept. Expands CVA
NY appeals court rules CVA negligent placement claims may proceed against state government — covering foster care and juvenile detention placements.
How Long Do You Have?
The CVA made two separate changes — one for civil lawsuits, one for criminal charges. Both are permanent and apply to cases that had not already expired under the old rules.
❌ Before the CVA
- ❌Civil lawsuit deadline: age 23 (just 5 years after turning 18)
- ❌Felony criminal charges: expired at age 23
- ❌No notice-of-claim waiver for public institutions
- ❌No look-back window — old claims permanently barred
- ❌NY among most restrictive states for abuse survivors
✅ After the CVA
- ✅Civil lawsuit deadline: age 55 — a 32-year extension
- ✅Felony criminal charges: until survivor reaches age 28
- ✅No notice of claim required against public entities
- ✅Look-back window gave all survivors a second chance (closed 2021)
- ✅2024: CVA expanded to cover state foster care placements
Who Can Still File Under the CVA?
To file a civil lawsuit under the current (post-look-back window) CVA, a survivor must meet all three of the following:
Under Age 55
The permanent CVA statute of limitations runs until the survivor turns 55. This is the threshold for current claims.
Abused in New York
The sexual abuse must have occurred in New York State. Where you live now does not matter — only where the abuse took place.
Abused Before Age 18
The abuse must have occurred when you were under 18 years old. Adult abuse survivors have separate remedies under the Adult Survivors Act.
Importantly: You can sue even if your prior claim was dismissed for being time-barred, even if the abuse happened 20, 30, or 40 years ago, even if the abuser has died, and even if the institution has changed management. What matters is whether your current age is under 55 and whether the underlying claim had not already expired before the CVA took effect.
Your Abuser Wasn't the Only One Responsible
The CVA's most powerful provision is institutional liability. Any organization that employed, supervised, or otherwise controlled an abuser — and failed to protect children — can be sued for negligent hiring, negligent supervision, or negligent retention. This is where the largest recoveries come from.
Churches & Religious Organizations
Public & Private Schools
Hospitals & Medical Facilities
Boy Scouts & Youth Programs
Daycares & Childcare Centers
Athletic Programs & Sports Teams
Government Agencies (Foster Care)
Employers & Workplaces
What Happened to NY's Major Institutions Under the CVA
🏛️ 4 Catholic dioceses in New York filed for bankruptcy protection following the flood of CVA litigation — including the Diocese of Buffalo, Diocese of Rochester, Diocese of Rockville Centre, and Archdiocese of New York.
🏫 NYC Department of Education paid over $160 million to settle more than 150 CVA lawsuits. School districts statewide face ongoing liability exposure.
⚽ Boy Scouts of America filed for bankruptcy nationally as CVA and similar state laws triggered thousands of claims. A $2.46 billion settlement fund was established.
🏛️ 2024 expansion: The Third Department ruled CVA negligent placement claims can proceed against the state government — opening new claims against foster care and juvenile detention agencies.
⚠️ Adult Survivors Act (ASA) — A Related But Separate Law
The Adult Survivors Act (ASA) was signed by Governor Hochul on May 24, 2022. Like the CVA's look-back window, it created a one-year window — from November 24, 2022 to November 23, 2023 — for adult survivors of sexual abuse (those 18 or older at the time of abuse) to file previously time-barred civil claims. That window is now permanently closed.
The ASA and CVA are separate laws. If you were abused as a minor (under 18) and are currently under 55, the CVA's permanent statute of limitations still applies to you — the ASA window's closure does not affect your CVA rights. If you are uncertain which law applies to your situation, speak with an attorney.
CVA Questions Answered Plainly
You Have Until Age 55.
Don't Wait to Find Out Where You Stand.
One confidential call is all it takes. We'll listen, we'll assess your case, and we'll tell you honestly whether you have a claim — with no obligation and no cost to you.
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