Even if your state’s criminal statute of limitations has passed, you may still have civil recourse against your abuser. State civil statutes are often different from criminal statutes, allowing victims to sue not only a perpetrator of abuse but also any organization found to have contributed, condoned, or covered up criminal acts of child molestation.
Statute of limitation revival — or so-called “window laws” — allow victims whose statute of limitations has passed to file a civil claim and recover damages from their abuser or other entity responsible for the psychological trauma of abuse. Window laws have been successfully used by victims who suffered sexual abuse by members of the clergy and at the hands of leaders within the Boy Scouts of America organization.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides state-by-state information about the statutes of limitations for civil suits involving molestation. The NCSL also provides information on whether or not a state allows an organization or entity to be named in a civil lawsuit filed in its jurisdiction.
If you still have questions regarding the statute of limitations for reporting child abuse, seek the guidance of an attorney or victims’ advocate group in your area. They will be familiar with the specific laws in your state and can connect you with local resources that will allow you to move forward with a case if you choose to do so.