Why Sexual Abuse Victims Wait to Disclose
In the United States, every nine minutes, a child is sexually assaulted. Yet not every survivor tells someone, be it a friend, family member, teacher, or police officer, about their abuse. Often, if they …
Child Victims Act Lookback Period Extended
In May, the New York State Assembly and Senate voted to extend the deadline for New Yorkers who were sexually abused as children to file legal claims. This is a major victory for the victims …
Lawmakers Look to Extend Lookback Window for Child Victims Act
The Child Victims Act was an important legislative step in the fight against child abuse in New York. The Act extended the criminal and civil statute of limitations period and made other changes that expanded …
Nationwide Database Created of Priests Accused of Abuse
The passage of the Child Victims Act in New York has made some important changes to the law that now gives greater rights to the victims of childhood sexual abuse. Many institutions, such as the …
The Long-term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Victims of childhood sexual abuse can experience devastating long-term consequences that require years of treatment. These effects can manifest themselves psychologically as well as physically. This is especially true for individuals who have waited a …
Resources for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse can leave a survivor with deep scars. The mixture of confusion, shame, anger, and depression can take decades to work through. Childhood sexual abuse is far too common, and unfortunately, many survivors …
What #MeToo Has Done for Child Sexual Abuse Victims
In 2017, after accusations of sexual abuse against film producer Harvey Weinsteincame to light, the #MeToo movement against sexual harassment and sexual assault went viral. The hashtag spread across social media and included attempts …
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Child Sexual Abuse Victims
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse often suffer long-term consequences from their abuse. Sexual abuse is highly damaging and results in many survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental …
Catholic Church/Boy Scouts of America Oppose Child Victims Act
The Child Victims Act serves as recognition that the prior statute of limitations in childhood sexual abuse cases helps abusers avoid accountability. It is not surprising then that institutions such as the Catholic Church and …
What the Child Victims Act Means for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
For survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the long-term effects can be devastating. The mental and emotional scars can last a lifetime. Holding sexual abusers accountable for their actions can bring some closure to survivors and …