New York Governor Andrew Cuomo already made headlines by approving a sweeping child sexual abuse law which could provide relief to thousands of victims.<\/p>\n
Cuomo made headlines again by further extending deadlines \u201cto ensure that COVID-19 does not stand in the way of justice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Specifically, the order extended the lookback period to January 14, 2021<\/a><\/u>. Assemb. Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) applauded Cuomo\u2019s act.<\/p>\n She noted that \u201cmany people have yet to come forward.\u201d<\/p>\n These victims need more time because \u201cthey are just starting to deal with it emotionally, and finding an attorney, and finding paperwork and just coming to terms,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n Cuomo\u2019s order helps ensure that the March 2020 New York on PAUSE Act will not adversely affect victims.<\/p>\n Rosenthal, Cuomo, and others are concerned that the coronavirus pandemic might increase the number of child sexual assaults.<\/p>\n Since children are not in school, many abusers believe they are less likely to get caught.<\/p>\n Indeed, these reports dropped by about 40 percent<\/a><\/u> in Suffolk and Nassau Counties in March and April 2020.<\/p>\n The economic and emotional strain of stay-at-home orders might cause some people to lash out.<\/p>\n Traditionally, abuse worsens during economic downturns. \u201cIt\u2019s the perfect storm for child abuse because we have this high-stress environment but we don\u2019t have as many services being provided to children,\u201d opined Safe Center of Long Island Director Keith Scott.<\/p>\n The Constitution bans human trafficking and slavery, but pandemic or not, these problems are much more widespread now than they were in the Civil War.<\/p>\n Sex trafficking<\/a> is clearly against the law in New York, and these laws include some very harsh penalties. Furthermore, many New Yorkers are anxious to enforce these laws.<\/p>\n However, prosecutors cannot move forward without a complaining witness.<\/p>\n Frequently, these individuals are reluctant to come forward.<\/p>\n Perhaps they had a bad experience with law enforcement somewhere along the line, or perhaps they have legal issues of their own, such as outstanding warrants or immigration problems.<\/p>\n Additionally, these investigations often rely on confidential informants.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not easy for these people to risk life and limb so they can involve police investigators whom they may not necessarily trust.<\/p>\n Sex abuse claims have similar issues.<\/p>\n A number of laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, and the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, are on the books.<\/p>\n But these laws often provide limited victim assistance. Additionally, overwhelmed federal law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities cannot possibly handle all these cases.<\/p>\n So, New York personal injury lawyers play a critical role<\/a><\/u> in this process.<\/p>\n Attorneys use a variety of approaches to uphold victims\u2019 rights and, more importantly, obtain the compensation they need to put their lives back together.<\/p>\n Lawyers also lobby for stronger and more comprehensive laws that give law enforcement more tools and keep the conversation going.<\/p>\n The aforementioned Child Victims Act was a major leap forward for all sex abuse victims in general, and organizational sexual abuse victims in general. Some key provisions of this law include:<\/p>\n Many defendants challenge the constitutionality of this law, but the great weight of authority<\/a><\/u> indicates it is a valid law.<\/p>\n Coronavirus affects every aspect of our lives, and not just sex abuse claims.<\/p>\n So, the statute of limitations extensions have affected other areas of the law.<\/p>\n Normally, the statute of limitations in an accident, injury, or other tort claim is two years. If the victim does not file a legal claim before then, the victim might lose any right to recovery.<\/p>\nSex Abuse and COVID-19<\/h2>\n
Why We Pursue Sex Trafficking\/Sex Abuse Claims<\/h2>\n
Breaking Down Child Sexual Abuse Claims in New York<\/h2>\n
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COVID-19 and the Statute of Limitations<\/h2>\n