Adult Survivors Act

The New York Adult Survivors Act (ASA) was enacted in May 2022 to provide a legal avenue for survivors of sexual offenses to seek justice, even if the statute of limitations had previously expired. 

History of the NY Adult Survivors Act

• Introduction and Enactment: The ASA was introduced by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal in 2019, following the success of the Child Victims Act. It passed the Senate in April 2022 and the Assembly in May 2022, and was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul on May 24, 2022.
• Purpose: The ASA aims to address the limitations survivors faced due to the statute of limitations, allowing them to file civil suits for a one-year period, from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023.

What the ASA Does

• Lookback Window: The ASA provides a one-year “lookback window” during which survivors can file civil lawsuits regardless of when the abuse occurred.
• Extended Statute of Limitations: It extends the statute of limitations for civil actions related to sexual offenses against adults to 20 years.
• Scope: The ASA covers a wide range of sexual offenses, including rape, sexual abuse, and forcible touching. It allows survivors to sue not only the perpetrators but also institutions that may have enabled the abuse.

If you or someone you know is considering taking action under the ASA, consulting with an experienced attorney can be a crucial step towards seeking justice and healing.