Important Update: the law was passed and signed on May 24, 2022
The Status of the Adult Survivors Act
Passing the ASA would give adult sexual abuse and assault survivors the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable and have their voices heard.
The New York State Senate and the State Assembly have both passed the ASA. It is now headed to Governor Hochul, who has publicly stated that she will sign it into law.
The Adult Survivors Act
The Adult Survivors Act (ASA) seeks to provide adult survivors of sexual abuse an opportunity to file a civil suit against their abusers. Under the ASA sexual abuse survivors would have a one-year window to revive civil actions that existing statutes of limitations would otherwise bar.
It can take years before a sexual abuse survivor is able to acknowledge and process their experience. Short time limitations favor abusers and the institutions and corporations that enable them. Sexual abuse victims should be able to hold their abusers accountable for their actions. This is why the Adult Survivors Act must become law in NY State.
The Status of the Adult Survivors Act
Passing the ASA would give adult sexual abuse and assault survivors the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable and have their voices heard.
The New York State Senate passed the ASA and it is pending before the State Assembly. Governor Hochul has publicly stated that if the Assembly passes the ASA she will sign it into law.
The Damage Caused by Sexual Abuse and Violence
When someone subjects another person to the trauma of sexual violence or abuse, it’s an assault on the mind and the body. Not only will the victim feel the physical pain of the abuse, but they will also experience emotional trauma.
Carrying the memory of sexual violence can have debilitating consequences for a survivor. This can manifest in a victim’s life immediately, in months, or even years.
In some circumstances, an abuse survivor may develop a mental health condition or engage in self-abusive or destructive behavior as a coping mechanism. Some may turn to alcohol or drugs to manage their trauma. Additionally, abuse survivors often have difficulty with self-esteem, trust, and relationships.
Sexual violence can permeate every aspect of a survivor’s life. As a result, a survivor may no longer feel safe in their own home or be able to connect with those closest to them. This kind of pain and fear can be consuming.
Although they are in no way responsible for the abuse they suffered, many sexual abuse survivors question if it was their fault. Having the chance to file suit and hold the abuser accountable for their actions can give survivors the voice to speak out against the wrongs they endured. Breaking the silence and seeking justice can be an affirming and important part of the healing process.
Having their day in court communicates to the victim that their voice matters and tells the abuser they will be held responsible for the harm they have inflicted.
Bonina & Bonina, P.C. Are Here to Help
For an adult survivor, the impact and consequences of sexual violence can last a lifetime. If you have been sexually assaulted or abused, you should be able to hold those responsible accountable. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we are experienced sexual abuse injury attorneys who understand the trauma survivors can experience and are here to help.
John Bonina has lectured throughout the state on litigating sexual abuse claims, and he is currently scheduled to give a Continuing Legal Education class on the Adult Survivors Act in July, 2022.
If you’ve been the victim of rape, sexual abuse, or other sexual violence, you want an experienced and compassionate sexual abuse injury attorney on your side. Bonina & Bonina, P.C. understand the importance of helping sexual violence survivors get the help they need for their trauma. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.