(TRENTON) – Child abuse survivors often suffer lifelong affects. In an attempt to hold perpetrators accountable, a bill (A-3648) to extend the current statute of limitations from two years to seven years for adult victims of sexual assault received final legislative approval today. Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano (D-Union), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), and Mila Jasey (D-Essex, Morris) sponsored the measure. The Assemblywomen issued the following joint statement:
“The current statute of limitations cannot be justified given the horror experienced by victims of sexual assault and rape. A two year statute of limitations for civil action is clearly not enough. We must stand up for victims.
“Childhood trauma often carries into adulthood. Many survivors need the time to find the strength to confront their abusers and get the justice they need and deserve. We must recognize the incredible stress, turmoil and pressure victims feel when dealing with their abuse and adjust the law accordingly to allow enough time for them to begin to heal.
“We are proud to sponsor this legislation and we thank our colleagues and the advocates who worked so tirelessly to get us to where we are today.”