The three-year window that created a “lookback” period designed to set aside the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault victims to file claims that would have otherwise been barred, which closed on December 31, 2022, preserved the rights of many adult survivors of child sexual assault. This “lookback window,” which was established through Assembly Bill 218 (AB 218) – also known as California’s Child Victims Act – opened a three-year window for those of any age to revive past claims that may have been prohibited from being filed as lawsuits because the statute of limitations, had expired.
Since the lookback period came into effect, adult survivors of child sexual crimes have brought lawsuits against large organizations such as Hollywood, the Catholic Church, and the Boy Scouts of America for incidents dating back decades. The law recognizes when companies and institutions form unique relationships with children, they have a duty to protect them, not overlook or exploit them. For example, the actors from the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet filed a lawsuit against its producer Paramount Studios, for releasing the movie showing scenes of minors nude. The case was filed at the conclusion of the lookback period in Santa Monica Superior Court by stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, accusing Paramount of sexual exploitation and distributing nude photos of adolescents. Cases were also filed against local councils and charters of the Boy Scouts, such as schools, churches, community centers, and nonprofits that sponsored Boy Scouts troops, yet failed to provide adequate hiring, supervision, and training, allowing perpetrators access to children who were left alone and sexually assaulted.
California’s Child Victims Act was signed into law in 2019 by Governor Newsom. Other states have enacted similar lookback periods, including New York, New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, Vermont, Illinois, North Carolina, Alabama, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The lookback period, which ended December 31, 2022, recognized that for many of these sexual assault survivors, it could take years to come to terms with what happened, sometimes until a survivor is in their 50s. Survivors, who often carry shame, guilt, and denial, sometimes well into adulthood, are often reluctant to come forward and testify against their abusers. The #MeToo movement has also helped to remove the stigma of people coming forward and reporting claims of sexual assault that occurred in the past, sometimes even decades ago.
In working on cases involving hundreds of claimants impacted by the assaults related to Boy Scouts of America multidistrict sexual assault litigation, I am here to answer any questions you may have regarding filing a case if a person, member of a school, rideshare service, church or other institution has sexually assaulted you, your child, or anybody you know. Feel free to contact me to discuss how I can help you get the justice you deserve or navigate any statute of limitations questions you have, even if the incident occurred years ago. You are not alone. Your peace of mind comes first. Justice comes later. All conversations will be kept strictly confidential.
Debra A. Postil Admitted to practice law in California, Debra Postil is a Senior Litigation Attorney at The Law Office of Paul Mankin APC, serving plaintiffs. With her 18 years of combined experience as a trial and appellate attorney in civil and criminal law, Debra’s mission for every client is to empathetically and vigorously advocate for their rights and empower them to secure the best outcome they deserve under the law.