The government of England and Wales is eliminating the three-year time limit for child sexual abuse survivors to file lawsuits, as part of essential reforms, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has confirmed. These new measures aim to empower victims and improve their access to justice.
The MoJ announced that the updated laws would also compel employers to offer apologies for the actions of current or former employees, encouraging institutions such as schools, hospitals, and care homes to take accountability.
This change aligns with the recommendations from the 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Prof. Alexis Jay. The reforms are expected to be presented as part of new bills in Parliament within the upcoming year.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized that these changes were “long overdue” and would aid survivors in their pursuit of justice. Prof. Jay had previously advocated for the removal of the lawsuit deadline, citing the long time it often takes for victims to come forward.
Currently, victims must file civil abuse claims within three years of turning 18, unless they can demonstrate that a fair trial is still possible. However, the IICSA highlighted that many claims were being dismissed due to survivors’ delayed disclosures.
Kim Harrison, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, expressed that the former deadline was “completely inappropriate.” The onus will now be on defendants to prove that time has impeded a fair trial.
Other reforms are expected across government departments as part of this effort.
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