When it comes to child sexual abuse, the statute of limitations is an important issue to consider. The statute regulates how long victims must file a lawsuit against an alleged sexual abuse predator. Child sexual abuse can have long-term effects on victims, so they must have enough time to come forward and seek justice.
- What is the Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Claims Can Impact You?
- How the Statute of Limitations Impacts Your Case
- Types of Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Childhood Sexual Abuse
- Definitions of Child Sexual Abuse
- Healing Past Wounds
- Hire a Sexual Assault Attorney to Resolve Your Claim Even If the Abuse Occurred Decades Ago
Unfortunately, many states have a very short statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, so victims often don’t have the time to come forward. There are exceptions to the law under extenuating circumstances.
This page will discuss the statute of limitations on sexual abuse claims. However, each situation is unique and you should consult with an experienced attorney to see how the law applies to your situation.
Are you a victim of child sexual violence? If so, you may need an advocate to help you through the legal process. The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, can help. We have years of experience representing victims of sexual assault, and we will fight for your rights.
Contact our Chicago sexual abuse lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form today for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
What is the Statute of Limitations on Sexual Abuse Claims Can Impact You?
The statute of limitations restricts the time someone has to file a civil lawsuit. The purpose of statutes of limitations is to ensure that lawsuits are filed while evidence is still available and witnesses are available to testify.
After a certain amount of time has passed, locating or contacting witnesses becomes more difficult, and evidence may have been destroyed or lost. The extended time can make it more difficult for the plaintiff to win their case.
Statutes of limitations vary from state to state and often depend on the type of civil lawsuit filed based on a practice area (i.e., medical malpractice, sexual abuse, nursing home neglect). Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two or three years, but it can be longer or shorter depending on the state.
How the Statute of Limitations Impacts Your Case
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits differs in each state. Some states have a very long statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, while others have a very short statute of limitations.
There are several reasons why statutes of limitations exist in civil law, including:
- First, it ensures that plaintiffs file lawsuits while evidence is still available.
- Second, it prevents people from filing lawsuits years after an alleged offense occurred, when memories may have faded, and key witnesses may no longer be available.
- Finally, it helps to ensure that defendants are not unfairly sued
Sexual abuse is a horrific experience for any victim, but the damage can be long-lasting and severe when that abuse occurs during childhood. Unfortunately, many victims do not come forward until years – even decades – after the abuse occurred.
Types of Aggravated Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a crime that can have devastating effects on the victim. Child sexual abuse is a particularly severe form of sexual assault that can cause even more long-term damage.
Criminal Statute of Limitations for Criminal Sexual Conduct
The statute of limitations for aggravated criminal sexual assault is usually longer than the statute of limitations for felony sexual abuse. In most states, the statute of limitations is between 5 and 10 years. However, a few states have no statute of limitations for criminal sexual misconduct.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations for Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault
This crime is a more severe form of criminal sexual misconduct that can result in a longer statute of limitations. In most states, the statute of limitations for aggravated rape is a criminal offense with prison sentences between 10 and 20 years.
Criminal Statute of Limitations for Felony Sexual Assault
In most states, the statute of limitations for felony sexual assault is between 3 and 10 years. However, a few states have no statute of limitations for felony sexual assault.
Felony sex assault (sex crimes) typically involves criminal sexual activity for certain sex crimes, including:
- Forcible rape
- Incest
- Aggravated sexual battery
- Sexual intercourse
- Sodomy
- Indecent liberties
- Continuous sexual abuse
- Unlawful sexual penetration with an object
- Other sexual offenses
Misdemeanor sexual assault is typically less severe than felony sexual abuse and may involve:
- Unwanted touching
- Non-consensual sexual contact
- Sexual exploitation
- Inappropriate sexual misconduct
- Lewd or lascivious acts
- Statutory rape
- Statutory sexual seduction
While the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sexual abuse is usually shorter than for felony sex crimes, a few states do not have a statute of limitations for misdemeanor sexual abuse.
Childhood Sexual Abuse
Childhood sexual abuse is a particularly severe form of sexual assault that can cause even more long-term damage. Victims may suffer from various psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
The trauma of the abuse can also lead to problems in relationships and difficulties with intimacy. Victims may also struggle with self-esteem issues and doubt their own abilities.
The long-term effects of childhood sexual abuse can last well into adulthood. Victims may find it difficult to trust others and may be reluctant to get close to anyone. They may also have difficulty forming healthy relationships and be more prone to domestic violence.
Many victims struggle with feelings of shame and self-blame, which can lead to alcohol or drug addiction. Some victims even contemplate or attempt suicide.
Without intervention and support, the devastation caused by childhood sexual abuse is long-lasting and can affect the victim’s entire life. If you are a victim of childhood sexual abuse, it is important to seek help from a therapist or counselor who can provide support and guidance. You are not alone, and there is help available.
Definitions of Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when someone does something sexual to a child that the child doesn’t want. No underage minor can consent to sexual activity with another child, teenager, or adult.
Childhood sexual abuse might involve:
- Fondling or touching of private parts
- Rape or attempted rape
- Oral, anal, or vaginal sex
- Digital penetration
- Showing pornography to a child
- Making a child participate in sexual activity with another person, including making them watch or take pictures
It’s important to note that childhood sexual abuse is not just physical. Child abuse could also involve emotional, mental, or spiritual abusive behavior.
Emotional abuse might involve:
- name calling
- put-downs
- threats
Mental abuse might involve:
- mind games
- manipulation
- gaslighting
Spiritual abuse might involve:
- using religion or spirituality to control someone
- telling someone they’re going to hell
- using religious or spiritual rituals to threaten or scare someone
Some alleged sexual abuse predators use their power of authority over others to control, gaslight, manipulate, or sexually abuse vulnerable children, tweens, teens, and young adults.
Sexual Assault/Rape Statute of Limitations by State
| State | Citation | Criminal | Tolling/Extension |
| Alabama | Ala. Code § 6-2-38 | Felonies: 5 years (no limit if the victim was under 16 years of age)Misdemeanors: 1 year (no limit if the victim was under 16 years of age) | No special extension |
| Alaska | Alaska Stat. § 09-10-065 | Felonies: No time limit (10 years after commission of certain Class C felonies such as incest and sexual assault) | Action may be brought at any time for violations of the following offenses: |
| Misdemeanors: 5 years (no limit if the victim was under 18 years of age) | Misdemeanors: 5 years (no limit if the victim was under 18 years of age)Exceptions include no limit for felony abuse of a minor and felony sexual assault | Felony sexual assault | |
| Arizona | A.R.S. § 12- 542(1) | Felonies: 7 years (no limit if the victim was under 15 years of age)Misdemeanors: 1 year | Possible extension of time limit for children |
| Arkansas | Ark. Code § 16-56-130(a) | Rape: 6 years (no limit if the victim was a minor)Misdemeanors: 1-yearIncest: 3 years (no limit if the victim was a minor) | Extended to three years from the moment of discovery if the person was under 18 years of age at the time of sexual abuse. |
| California | Ca. Civ. Proc. Code § 335.1 | Rape, continuous sexual abuse of a child, forcible acts of sexual penetration, and sodomy before the victim’s 40th birthday if the victim was under 18 and the crime occurred on or after 1/1/20166 years for crimes that happened before 1/1/2017Unlawful intercourse with a minor: 3 years | Must be filed within eight years after the date the person attains the age of majority; or within three years after the date the person discovers the causal connection of the injury, whichever period expires later |
| Colorado | Colo. Rev. Stat. § §13-80-102 (a) | Sex assault: Offenses against a child under 15: No limitOffenses against a child 15-18: 20 years after the victim reaches age 18Offenses against an adult: 20 yearsMisdemeanors: 5 yearsUnlawful sexual contacts: Offenses against a child under 15: No limitOffenses against a child 15-18: 20 years after the victim reaches age 18 | No time limitation for claims arising on or after January 1, 2022 |
| Connecticut | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-577e | Class A felonies: No limitClass B felonies: 20 yearsClass C felonies: 5 yearsClass D felonies: 20 yearsAggravated sexual assault of a minor: No limitIncest: 5 yearsIf the victim was a minor (under 18), and was assaulted before October 1, 2019, they have until their 48th birthday to file a civil claim. | For Sexual Abuse, Exploitation, or Assault of a minor. |
| Delaware | Del. Code tit. 10, § 8119 | Class A felonies: No limitAll other felonies: 5 years class A misdemeanors: 3 yearsAll other misdemeanors: 2 years | No time limit for child sex abuse claims. |
| District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.) | D.C. Code § 12-301(11) | Felonies: No limitMisdemeanors: 3 years the victim was a minor, they have until three years from their 18th birthday (age 21) to file a claim | Within seven years of the minor’s 18th birthday or within three years of when the victim knew or should have known, whichever comes first |
| Florida | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(7), (9) | Capital felony, life felony, or a felony that results in death: No limitFirst-degree felony: 4 yearsAny another felony: 3 yearsExceptions: No limit in sexual battery violation cases where the victim is age 16 or under. | No time limit for Sexual Battery Offenses on Victims under the age of 16 |
| Georgia | O.C.G.A. § 9-3- 33.1(b) | Sexual assault, incest: 4 years (7 years in cases involving minorsRape: 15 years for rape, or 7 years for non-forcible rape (no limit if the victim was under the age of 16 and occurred on or after July 1, 2012)Statutory rape, molestation, aggravated child molestation (under 16): 7 years | Within five years of the date, the person attains the age of majority. |
| Hawaii | HRS § 657-7, § 657-13 | Class A & B felonies: No limitless C felony: 3 years from the incident (or age 21 if the victim was under 18 at the time of the incident)Misdemeanors: 2 yearsPetty misdemeanor: 1-year statute of limitations pauses if the victim is a minor until they turn 18 | The statute is “tolled” if the victim was a minor at the time of the incident. |
| Idaho | Code § 6-1704(1) | Rape, sexual abuse, incest: 5 years (no limit if the victim is 16 or under)Sexual exploitation by a medical care provider: 2 years Sexual abuse and exploitation of a vulnerable adult: 5 yearsIf the victim was a minor, they have five years after reaching the “age of majority” (age 23) to file a civil action so long as the incident occurred on or after July 1, 1989. | The suit may be brought within five years of the victim reaching the age of majority |
| Illinois | Ill. Rev. Stat. ch. 735, § 13–202, § 13—202.2(b) | Misdemeanors: 10 years after the victim achieves the age of adulthood (age 28)Indecent solicitation of an adult, a solicitation to meet a child, sexual exploitation of a child: 3 years (or 18 months for misdemeanors) | Actions for damages based on childhood sexual abuse may be commenced at any time |
| Indiana | Ind. Code § 34-11-2-4(1) | Rape: For Level 1, there is no limit. For a Level 3 felony, the prosecution must commence within 5 years (10 years if the victim was under 18).Child molesting: For Level 1 & 2 felonies, there is no limit but prosecution must commence before the victim reaches 31 years of age. For Level 3 & 4 felonies, prosecution must commence within 5 years (10 years if the victim was under 18). | The case stemming from childhood sexual abuse must be brought within seven years from the date of the incident or within four years from when the minor is no longer a dependant of the person alleged perpetrator. |
| Iowa | Iowa Code §669.13, §614.8A | Sexual abuse, incest: 10 years (or 15 years after the victim reaches age 18 if they were a minor)Lascivious acts with a child/minor, indecency with a child, sexual exploitation of a minor: 10 years after the victim reaches age 18.Assault with intent to commit sexual abuse: 3 years (or ten years after the victim reaches age 18 if they were a minorIndecent exposure: 3 years | Within four years of the date of discovery. S |
| Kansas | Kan. Stat. § 60-523 | Rape aggravated criminal sodomy: No limitSodomy, aggravated sexual battery, indecent liberties with a child, indecent solicitation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, aggravated incest: 10 years (or ten years from when the victim turns 18 if they were minor) | Victims of child sex abuse have three years from the age of 18, or three years from the date the victim discovered they had suffered an injury or illness caused by sexual abuse |
| Kentucky | Ky. Rev. Stat. § 413.249, §413.140(1)(a) | Felonies: No limitMisdemeanors: 1 year (5 years for crimes involving minors)For minors, five years after either the most recent incident, discovery, or achieving adulthood, whichever occurs later. | Within five years of the commission of the act or the last of a series of acts by the same perpetrator |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Revised Statute 9:2800.9(A), Civ. Code §3492 | Rape: No limit for 1st and 2nd-degree rape; 6 years for 3rd-degree rapeFelonies against a minor: 30 years after the victim turns 18 (age 48).Felonies punishable by imprisonment or hard labor: 6 years | Civil suits for sex acts against minors can be brought at any time |
| Maine | Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 752-C, Maine Civil Statute of Limitations | Crimes against minors under age 16: No limitGross sexual assault: 20 yearsSexual abuse of minors (age 16 or older): 6 years for Class A, B or C crimes; 3 years for Class D or E crimesUnlawful sexual contact: 20 years for Class A, B or C crimes; 3 years for Class D or E crimesUnlawful sexual touching: 3 yearsSexual exploitation of a minor: 6 yearsIncest: 6 years for Class C crimes; 3 years for Class D crimesNo limit for crimes against minors under age 16. | Civil claims for sex acts against minors can be brought at any time |
| Maryland | Md. Cts. and Jud. Proc. § 5-117, Maryland Civil Statute of Limitations | Felonies: No limitSexual offense (fourth-degree): 1 year (3 years if the offender was in a position of authority or the victim was a minor)Sexual conduct between correctional or juvenile justice employee and inmate or confined child: 1 year | Within seven years of the date, the victim attains the age of majority |
| Massachusetts | General Laws of Massachusetts Part III, Title V, 260-4C, | Rape, assault with intent to commit rape: 15 years. Wanton or reckless behavior creating a risk of serious bodily injury or sexual abuse to a child: No limitStatutory rape and sexual abuse (of a child under 16): No limitDrugging persons for sexual intercourse: 6 yearsIncestuous marriage or sexual activities: 10 years | Must bring civil claims within 35 years of the acts alleged to have caused an injury or condition or within 7 years of the time the victim discovered |
| Michigan | MCL 600.5805 | Criminal sexual conduct (second degree): 10 years (15 years for minors or by their 28th birthday, whichever occurs later)Criminal sexual conduct (third or fourth degree), assault with intent to commit criminal sexual contact, female genital mutilation: 10 years (for minors, by their 21st birthday, whichever occurs later)Crimes against nature or sodomy, indecent exposure, gross indecency: 6 years | No special tolling provision for minors |
| Minnesota | Minn. Stat. § 541.073 | Criminal sexual conduct (1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree): 9 years (for minors, either 9 years after the commission of the offense or 3 years after the offense was reported to authorities, whichever occurs later)Criminal sexual conduct (4th or 5th degree): 3 years (for minors, either 9 years after commission of the offense or 3 years after the offense was reported to authorities, whichever occurs later) | If the victim is a minor, the six-year limitations begin to run one year after the plaintiff reaches 18 and would terminate at age 25 |
| Mississippi | Miss. Code Ann. §15-1-49, § 15-1-59 | Child fondling, rape, drugging, spousal rape, sexual battery of a child: No limitAll other crimes: 2 years for minors, the clock starts running when the victim turns 18. | Within three years of attaining the age of majority |
| Missouri | Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.046, | First-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, and felonies against a minor (under 18): No limitAll other felonies: 3 yearsMisdemeanors: 1 yearFor minors, 10 years after turning 21 or 3 years from discovery, whichever occurs later. | Childhood sexual abuse that occurred when the person was under 18 years of age, must bring a lawsuit within 10 years of the person attaining the age of 21 |
| Montana | Mont. Code § 27-2-216(a), | Sexual abuse of children, ritual abuse of minors: No limit sexual assault, sexual intercourse without consent: 10 years (no limit in cases involving minors that occurred after May 7, 2019)Aggravated sexual intercourse without consent, indecent exposure, incest: 5 years (no limit in cases involving minors that occurred after May 7, 2019)Misdemeanors: 1 year | Must file not later than three years after the act of childhood sexual abuse; or not later than three years after the person discovers the causal connection of the injury |
| Nebraska | Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-208 | Sexual assault (first degree), sexual assault of a child (any degree), incest: No limit sexual assault (second or third degree): 18 months (no limit for crimes against children under 16)Sexual assault by use of electronic communication device, sexual abuse of an inmate, parolee, detainee or protected individual: 3 years for minors, the clock starts running at age 21. | Victims of child sex abuse can file within four years of reaching the age of 21 years old. |
| Nevada | Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 11.215, | Sexual assault: 20 years (no limit if the victim files a written report within 20 years or by age 36 or 43 in the case of child sex abuse)Luring children or persons with a mental illness, statutory sex seduction, incest, open or gross lewdness, sexually penetrating of a dead human body: 3 years gross misdemeanors: 2 years | Child sex abuse actions must be commenced within 10 years after the person either reaches 18 years of age or discovers the causal connection of the injury |
| New Hampshire | N.H. Rev. Stat. § 508:4-9 | Felonious sexual assault, aggravated felonious sexual assault, incest, indecent exposure: 6 years (or within 22 years of the minor victim’s 18th birthday)Sexual assault: 1 year (or within 22 years of the minor victim’s 18th birthday)Misdemeanors: 1 yearFor minors, 12 years after their 18th birthday (age 30) or 3 years from discovery. | Either within 12 years of the person’s 18th birthday; or 3 years of the time of discovery |
| New Jersey | N.J. Stat. § 2A:61B-1, New | Sexual assault aggravated sexual assault: No limit Lewdness: 5 years (or 1 year if a disorderly offense) | Within two years of the date of “reasonable discovery” |
| New Mexico | N.M. Code § 37-1-30 | First-degree felonies: No limitSecond-degree felonies: 6 yearsThird or fourth-degree felonies: 5 yearsMisdemeanors: 2 years for minors, they must file a claim by their 24th birthday or 3 years from discovery, whichever comes first. | A lawsuit must be brought either by the first instant of the person’s 24th birthday; or three years from the discovery, whichever comes first |
| New York | New York Civil Practice Law and Rules 213-c | Class A or B felonies: No limit Class C, D, or E felonies: 5 years for offenses committed after September 18, 2019 (for minors, the clock starts running on their 23rd birthday)Misdemeanors: 2 years (for minors, the clock starts running on their 23rd birthday) | The statute provides that actions for civil damages for defined sexual crimes |
| North Carolina | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-32.3 | Felonies: No limitMisdemeanors: 2 years | Longer statute based upon minor’s “incapacity” |
| North Dakota | N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-25.1 | Felonies against a minor (under 18): Within 21 years of the offense if the victim is below age 18, or within 3 years from reporting the offense to authorities Sexual assault, sexual imposition, sexual abuse of wards, sexual exploitation by a therapist, incest: 3 years (or 7 years if aggravated by the use of force)Misdemeanors: 2 years for minors, 10 years from the point of reasonable discovery. | Within 10 years of when the victim knew or reasonably should have known that a potential claim exists resulting from alleged childhood sexual abuse |
| Ohio | ORC Ann. § 2305.111(c) | Rape, sexual battery: 25 yearsUnlawful sexual conduct with a minor, gross sexual imposition: 20 yearsImportuning, public indecency: 6 years Sexual imposition and other misdemeanors: 2 years for minors, 12 years from the victim’s 18th birthday. | 12 years from the date of the minor’s 18th birthday |
| Oklahoma | Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 95 | Rape, crimes against nature, forcible sodomy: 12 years after the discovery of the sexual offense, or by the victim’s 45th birthdayIncest, indecent exposure: 3 years for minors, the clock starts running on the victim’s 18th birthday or 5 years after the perpetrator is released from custody, whichever occurs later. | Tolled until the minor reaches 18 years old or until 5 years after the perpetrator is released from the custody of a state, federal, or local correctional facility or jail, |
| Oregon | ORS § 124.005 | Rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, and unlawful sexual penetration (first degree): 12 years (or before the minor victim’s 30th birthday)Rape, sodomy and sexual penetration (second or third degree), sexual abuse (second-degree), incest: 6 years (for minors, before the victim’s 30th birthday or within 12 years after the offense is reported, whichever occurs first)Sexual abuse (third degree): 4 years (for minors, before the victim’s 22nd birthday or within 4 years after the offense is reported, whichever occurs first) | The lawsuit must be brought before the person attains 40 years of age; or not more than 5 years from the date the person discovers the causal connection between the child abuse and the injury, |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Code 42 Pa. CSA 5533(b)(2), | Felonies: 12 years (for minors, the clock starts running on the victim’s 18th birthday or expires on the victim’s 50th birthday) | 12 years from the date a victim reaches the age of majority |
| Rhode Island | R.I. Gen. Laws § 9- 1-51 | Sexual assault (first degree): No limit for first degree, 3 years for second or third-degreeChild molestation sexual assault: No limit for minors, 7 years from the incident or from the point of discovery, whichever occurs later. | Within seven years after the sexual abuse occurred; or within seven years of the time of discovery |
| South Carolina | S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-555 | No limits for minors, 6 years from their 21st birthday or 3 years from discovery. | Within six years after the person reaches 21 years old or three years from the time the victim realizes that their injuries are caused by child sexual abuse |
| South Dakota | S.D. Codified Laws § 26-10-25, | Rape (third or fourth degree), sexual contact with a person under 16, sexual contact with a person incapable of consent, sexual contact without consent, sexual exploitation of a minor, incest: 7 years or any time before the victim’s 25th birthday, whichever occurs later minors, within 3 years of the incident or discovery. | Within three years of the alleged act; or three years of the time of discovery |
| Tennessee | Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, 28-1-106 | Crimes against a minor under 18: No limitAggravated sexual rape: 15 yearsRape, aggravated sexual battery: 8 yearsIncest: 4 years | The statute is tolled until the minor turns 18 years old |
| Texas | Civil Practice and Remedies Code Title 2B | Crimes against children: No limit sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault: 10 yearsImproper student-teacher relationship, For minors, the clock typically starts running on the victim’s 18th birthday.No limitation in cases involving a serial rapist. | The statute does not begin to run until the 18th birthday of the victim |
| Utah | Utah Code Ann. § 78B-2-308, | Rape, statutory rape, forcible sodomy, sexual abuse of a child, aggravated sexual assault: No limitOther felonies: 4 yearsMisdemeanors: 2 years | A victim of child sex abuse may file an action at any time |
| Vermont | Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 522, | Criminal sexual assault aggravated sexual assault: No limitSexual abuse, lewd and lascivious conduct: 6 years (within 40 years for vulnerable adults)For minors, within 6 years of the alleged act or discovery. | If a result of childhood sexual abuse must be brought within six years of the act, or six years of the time of discovery |
| Virginia | Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-243 | Felonies: No limitMisdemeanors: 1 year (for minors, by age 19)For minors, the clock starts running on their 18th birthday | The statute is tolled until the minor turns 18 years old. Then it is two years from the date of the alleged sexual abuse |
| Washington | Wash. Rev. Code § 4.16.340 | Rape (first or second degree), indecent liberty: 20 years (no limit for minors under 16)Rape of a child, child molestation, sexual misconduct with a male or female child (first degree): No limitRape (third degree): 10 yearsIncest: 10 years (for minors under 18, up until the victim’s 30th birthday) | The statute is tolled until the minor becomes 18 years old and then it becomes within three years of the alleged act; within three years of the time discovery that injury was caused by the said act; or within three years of the time of discovery that being sexually abused caused the injury for which the claim is brought |
| West Virginia | W.Va. Code § 55-2-15 | Sexual assault, sexual abuse (first degree), incest: No limitSexual abuse (second or third degree): 1 year For minors, the clock starts running on the victim’s 18th birthday. | Two years from the date of the minor turning 18 years old |
| Wisconsin | Wis. Stat. § 893.587 | Sexual assault (first degree), sexual assault of a child (first degree): No limit sexual assault (second or third degree): 10 years sexual assault of a child (second degree), sexually exploiting of a child, incest with a child | Must be filed before the victim’s 35th birthday |
| Wyoming | Wyo. Stat. § 1-3-105 | No limit | Eight years after victim’s 18th birthday or three years after the time of discovery |
Healing Past Wounds
Are you a victim of childhood sexual abuse and suffering physical, emotional, or psychological injury? Several resources are available to help you heal the wounds of the past. You can call a national hotline for victims of sexual abuse, which will connect you with a counselor who can provide support and guidance.
There are also many support groups for victims of childhood sexual abuse. These groups offer a safe space for victims to share their experiences and receive support from others who understand what they are going through.
If you are a victim of childhood sexual abuse, it is important to seek help so that you can heal the wounds of the past and move on with your life. There are many resources available to help you through this difficult time.
Numerous government agencies offer assistance to victims of sexual abuse. The agencies that provide financial assistance, counseling, and other support services include:
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free and confidential 24/7 support for survivors of sexual assault 800-656-HOPE (4673)
- The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) also offers a free 24/7 national hotline
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides free and confidential 24/7 support for victims of domestic violence at 800-799-7233
- The National Children’s Alliance provides free and confidential support for child victims of abuse at 888-PREVENT (888-773-8368)
- The US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime offers various services and resources for victims of crime at 800-851-3420
- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) provides various resources and services for survivors of sexual violence at 877-739-3895
Are you a victim of childhood sexual assault? Seek help from a support group or law enforcement agency to heal the past wounds and move on with your life. Many resources are available to help you through your emotional or psychological injury. You are not alone, and there is help available.
Hire a Sexual Assault Attorney to Resolve Your Claim Even If the Abuse Occurred Decades Ago
Our personal injury lawyers represent sexually abused victims and fight aggressively to ensure you can file lawsuit months or years after the assault. Contact us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation.
We accept all cases on contingency, meaning all legal fees are postponed until we obtain compensation on your behalf through negotiated settlements or jury awards.
