Governor signs bill removing civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse survivors | News Channel 3-12
Governor signs bill removing civil statute of limitations for sexual ... KEYT
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Legislation Removes Civil Statute of Limitations for Minors Who Experienced Sexual Abuse
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Legislation authored by Assemblymember Dawn Addis and State Senator Nancy Skinner that removes the civil statute of limitations for minors who experienced sexual abuse was signed into law on Tuesday.
Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452)
Assembly Bill 452 (AB 452) eliminates the time limit for the recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual assault for civil actions that arise on or after Jan. 1 of 2024.
Significance for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This legislation aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations:
- Goal 5: Gender Equality – By removing the civil statute of limitations, this law ensures that survivors of childhood sexual assault, regardless of their gender, have equal access to justice and the opportunity to seek damages.
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – AB 452 promotes peace and justice by holding perpetrators and those who aid or cover up the abuse accountable. It strengthens institutions by removing arbitrary time limits and providing survivors with the necessary support to seek justice.
“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for his steadfast commitment to justice for survivors of child sexual assault,” said Assemblymember Addis. “With the Governor’s signing of AB 452, California has removed cruel and arbitrary barriers to healing and justice. While there is much more work to do, California has taken a critical step forward in letting survivors know that their voices matter regardless of when they come forward.”
Effective Date and Scope
Notably, this bill only applies to sexual assaults that occur on or after Jan. 1, 2024, when the law takes effect.
Civil claims for sexual abuse before that date still fall under existing state law that prohibits filing on or after the survivor’s 40th birthday or 22 years after the survivor attains the age of majority or within five years of the plaintiff discovering the impact of their experience.
Supporting Survivors and Ending Arbitrary Time Limits
“With the shame and secrecy that surround most incidents of childhood sexual assault and abuse, it can take decades for many survivors to confront their experience. Processing trauma and painful memories is complex and can’t be put on a timetable. That’s why I was proud to co-author AB 452 with Assemblymember Addis to end California’s arbitrary time limit for when survivors of childhood sexual assault can seek justice in court,” said State Senator Nancy Skinner. “With Governor Newsom’s signing of AB 452, going forward, children who suffer abuse will have no time limit for when they can hold to account those who abuse them and those who aid or allow the abuse to happen or cover it up.”
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
The article discusses legislation that removes the civil statute of limitations for minors who experienced sexual abuse. This issue is connected to SDG 5, which focuses on achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls. By removing the time limit for the recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual assault, the legislation aims to provide justice and support for survivors, many of whom are women and girls.
Additionally, the article highlights the importance of justice for survivors of child sexual assault. This aligns with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.
- Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
The article addresses the issue of sexual abuse against minors, which falls under Target 5.2 of SDG 5. By removing the civil statute of limitations, the legislation aims to eliminate barriers to justice for survivors of childhood sexual assault, contributing to the achievement of this target.
Furthermore, the legislation promotes access to justice for survivors by removing the time limit for seeking damages. This aligns with Target 16.3 of SDG 16, which focuses on promoting the rule of law and ensuring equal access to justice for all.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
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Source: keyt.com
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