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Sexual abuse is any act by which the perpetrator uses sexual contact in an impermissible way. Sexual abuse can occur against both adults and children.
Victims of sexual abuse often have a difficult time recovering for their losses. Most sexual abuse incidents involve individual abusers who do not have insurance or sufficient assets to pay for the victim's injuries. There are exemptions, such as when the abuser was a member of an organization (e.g. a church), or a person with a duty to report the abuse but failed to do so (e.g. a doctor).
If the person who committed the sexual abuse against you does have the ability to pay if you win a lawsuit against them, you may be able to recover for your damages, including:
One major difference between states is how long victims may have to report criminal acts, or to file civil lawsuits against their abusers. This may be a certain period of time from when the crime occurs, when the crime is reported, or when the crime is later discovered. If a victim waits too long to come forward, they may lose the ability to bring a claim or seek punishment.
In most states, the statute of limitations does not begin until after the victim reaches the age of majority (normally over 18). Many states have exceptions for later “discovery” of sexual abuse through repressed memories or other means. A number of states have also made exception to their statutes DNA evidence that, using new technology, may finally identify an assailant or prove a claim of abuse.
For example: In Connecticut, a victim of childhood sexual abuse has 30 years after the age of majority (age 18) to contact police and press charges against their abuser. That victim may also file a civil lawsuit against their abuser in the same time frame. In Wisconsin, on the other hand, there is no limit on how long a childhood sexual abuse victim has to press charges. In that state, however, the victim may only file a civil lawsuit within 2 years after they turn 18.
Below is a table of the statute of limitations in all states for certain common sex abuse crimes. The table also lists the statute of limitations for filing civil suit specifically for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. This is not a full list of all criminal sex offenses or possible civil suits in each state. In addition, it is possible that an abuser could be guilty of more than one sex crime arising out of the same incident. Please note that the numbers are subject to change and/or certain exceptions. Please consult an attorney in your state for the most accurate information.
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STATE
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Statutory Rape of Minor aged 15*
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Incest with Minor
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Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Minor
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Civil Suit
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Notes
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Alabama
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
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2 yrs.
|
|
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Alaska
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
|
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Arkansas
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
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2 yrs., or until 20
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|
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Arizona
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until victim is 28
|
no limit
|
no limit
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3 yrs.*
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*after discovery
|
|
California
|
3 yrs.
|
10 yrs.
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until victim is 40
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until age 26
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|
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Colorado
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
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6 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Connecticut
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30 yrs. after victim is 18
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30 yrs. after victim is 18
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30 yrs. after victim is 18
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30 yrs. after victim is 18
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Can also file 5 yrs. after reported
|
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Delaware
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no limit*
|
no limit
|
no limit*
|
no limit
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*limit for cases of repressed memory
|
|
D.C.
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15 yrs. after victim is 21
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10 yrs. after victim is 21
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if felony, within 6 yrs.
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3 yrs. after victim is 18
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|
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Florida
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3 yrs. after victim is 18
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3 yrs. after victim is 18
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4 yrs. after victim is 18*
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7 yrs. after victim is 18
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*if 1st degree felony. Limits vary.
|
|
Georgia
|
no limit*
|
no limit*
|
no limit*
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5 yrs. after victim is 18
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*if crime occurred after July 30, 2012
|
|
Hawaii
|
no limit
|
3 yrs.
|
no limit
|
2 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Idaho
|
no limit
|
5 yrs.
|
no limit
|
5 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Illinois
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20 yrs. after victim is 18
|
3 yrs.
|
20 yrs. after victim is 18
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10 yrs. after discovery
|
|
|
Indiana
|
5 yrs.
|
n/a
|
5 yrs. to no limit until victim is 31*
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2 yrs. after discovery, but before victim is 31
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*limit varies greatly on details of crime
|
|
Iowa
|
10 yrs. after victim is 18
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10 yrs. after victim is 18
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10 yrs. after victim is 18
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4 yrs. after discovery
|
|
|
Kansas
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5 yrs. if voluntary
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10 yrs. after victim is 18
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10 yrs. after victim is 18
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3 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Kentucky
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
5 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Louisiana
|
30 yrs. after victim is 18
|
30 yrs. after victim is 18
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30 yrs. after victim is 18
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1 year after discovery
|
|
|
Maine
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
|
|
Maryland
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
no limit
|
7 yrs. after victim is 18
|
|
|
Massachusetts
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no limit*
|
10 yrs.
|
no limit*
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3 yrs. after victim is 18
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complaints brought more than 27 yrs. after crime need independent evidence
|
|
Michigan
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10 yrs. or after victim is 21*
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6 yrs. – no limit
|
in many cases, no limit
|
2-5 yrs.**
|
* whichever is later
**no special statute for child victims
|
|
Minnesota
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9 yrs. after offense*
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3 yrs.
|
9 yrs. after offense*
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6 yrs. after victim is 18
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* or three yrs. after report, whichever is later
|
|
Mississippi
|
|
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Last Modified: 07-11-2018 08:56 PM PDT
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