The New Jersey Victims’ Rights Bill
Child sexual abuse survivors in New Jersey must bring claims by November 30, 2021.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in the State of New Jersey, our attorneys and trauma-informed advocates want to help you. Standing with and fighting for survivors of child sexual abuse has been our mission for more than 38 years. It’s time to learn about your rights under New Jersey Law, to take action, to hold those who hurt you accountable and to make New Jersey safer for children. You are NOT alone. It’s time—your time—for justice. Contact us confidentially today.
The New Jersey Victims Rights Bill gives survivors of child sexual abuse in New Jersey the opportunity to file a civil claim against the individual who hurt them and the institution responsible, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred. Under this groundbreaking legislation, survivors of any age can seek justice, compensation, and accountability while reclaiming some of the power taken from them as kids. But the window is only open for a limited time. Survivors must file by November 30, 2021.
An Historic Step Forward
On May 13, 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed the Victims’ Rights Bill (S477) into law, effectively reforming the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse survivors in New Jersey.
An historic step forward for child protection, the New Jersey Victims’ Rights Bill:
- Allows adult survivors of child sex abuse to bring a civil lawsuit against abusers and institutions that protected them until the survivor reaches the age of 55, or seven years from the date they discover the cause of their injuries (whichever is later).
- Opens a two-year window in New Jersey for survivors to file cases against perpetrators and the institutions that protected them, no matter when the abuse occurred.
New Jersey’s retroactive civil window for survivors is open from December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2021.
Read the complete Governor’s statement.
If you were sexually abused by a priest, counselor, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult, you have rights. Contact us confidentially.
You Are Not Alone. We Are Here to Help.
Before making a decision concerning such serious and sensitive matters, we encourage all survivors of child sexual abuse by clergy, teachers, coaches, or other authority figures to consult with legal counsel before proceeding with a claim.
In 2019, we partnered with New Jersey child sexual abuse attorney and survivor advocate Greg Gianforcaro who, like us, has been working in this space for more than three decades. Together, we have the New Jersey knowledge, experience, passion, and tenacity to work for and fight for survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. Contact us today. Your information will remain completely confidential.