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The Colorado Child Sexual Abuse Accountability Act
The passing of the Childhood Sexual Abuse Accountability Act (SB 88) is relieving news for sexual abuse survivors who were previously ineligible to file a lawsuit against their abuser and the organizations that harbored them due to the time constraints outlined by the previous law.
Here’s what you need to know about SB 88, eligibility requirements, and the statute of limitations.
The Statute of Limitations and Eligibility Under SB 88
Prior Colorado laws for civil sexual assault claims provided a limitation on when those claims could be brought. This left many childhood sexual abuse survivors ineligible to pursue legal recourse in seeking justice.
However, starting on January 1, 2022, survivors of childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or after January 1, 1960, and January 1, 2022, now have until January 1, 2025, to file a claim against their abuser and the organizations that a managing organization that knew or should have known that an actor or youth-related activity or program posed a risk of sexual misconduct against a minor.
Who Can Be Held Accountable in a Sexual Abuse Claim?
Under SB 88, in addition to the abuser, institutions that facilitated public or private youth programs can be held liable for childhood sexual abuse. Some entities may include:
- The Catholic church
- Colleges and Universities
- Schools
- YMCA
- Camps
- Church-related activities
- Sports programs
If your sexual assault claim includes any of the above or other organizations, and you are ready to speak out, having an experienced sexual abuse lawyer on your side can help you seek justice.
Protecting Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Rights in Colorado
We understand how difficult it can be to call out your abuser. Many survivors of sexual abuse are reluctant to speak out against their abuse for fear of victim-blaming or shame about what happened to them. Know that the sexual abuse you endured was not your fault, and we believe you. Our team offers compassionate and trauma-informed representation to sexual abuse survivors. When you are ready to speak out against your abuser, we are here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Contact } at (303) 835-9227 to receive a free and confidential consultation with a compassionate legal advocate.