New Maryland Law Lifts Civil Statute of Limitations for All Child Sex Abuse Claims

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has signed a new law that lifts the civil statute of limitations for all child sex abuse claims. The law, which went into effect on October 1, 2023, allows victims of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits against their abusers or institutions that enabled the abuse, regardless of when the abuse occurred.

Previously, Maryland law required victims of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits within a certain timeframe after the abuse occurred. The new law eliminates this time restriction, allowing victims to seek justice and hold their abusers accountable for their actions.

The law also includes a provision that allows victims to file lawsuits against institutions that enabled the abuse, such as churches, schools, and youth organizations. This provision is especially significant, as many victims of child sexual abuse were abused by individuals in positions of authority within these institutions.

The law has been praised by victim advocates and survivors of child sexual abuse, who say that it will help bring justice to those who have been victimized. “This law is a step in the right direction for survivors of child sexual abuse,” said Laura Dunn, founder and executive director of SurvJustice, a national organization that advocates for survivors of sexual violence. “It sends a message that we will not tolerate child sexual abuse in Maryland, and that those who perpetrate these crimes will be held accountable.”

The new law is part of a larger effort to address the issue of child sexual abuse in Maryland. In recent years, there have been several high-profile cases of child sexual abuse in the state, including the abuse of hundreds of children by Catholic priests in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The new law is seen as a way to help prevent future abuse by holding abusers and institutions accountable for their actions.

Conclusion

The new Maryland law lifting the civil statute of limitations for all child sex abuse claims is a significant step forward for victims of child sexual abuse in the state. The law allows victims to seek justice and hold their abusers and institutions accountable for their actions, regardless of when the abuse occurred. The law has been praised by victim advocates and survivors of child sexual abuse, who say that it will help prevent future abuse by sending a message that child sexual abuse will not be tolerated in Maryland.