The NYASA provides a one-year lookback window that allows individuals who experienced sexual abuse after the age of 18 to seek civil remedies. Victims of sexual abuse are often silenced by the public and fear the loss of job opportunities, among other things, if they speak out against their abusers. The #MeToo movement has created a safe and empowering environment for survivors to come forward and the NYASA gives them the tools to seek justice.

If you were unable to file a lawsuit previously due to the statute of limitations, the one-year lookback window is a unique opportunity for you to pursue civil remedies for the sexual abuse you have experienced. The NYASA covers a range of sexual misconduct, including rape, forcible touching, sexual assault, and other specific cases of sexual abuse and misconduct. Any victim can file a lawsuit, regardless of when the abuse took place, and even if a previous lawsuit was thrown out due to untimeliness.

Under the NYASA, survivors can sue not only their assailants but also the organizations and individuals who turned a blind eye and covered up the abuse. The one-year lookback window ends on November 23, 2023.