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Arkansas has introduced a two-year legal window, allowing victims to seek civil justice and accountability against their abusers. Spearheaded by state Sen. David Wallace, the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act, initially enacted in 2021 and amended in 2023, aims to address the challenges survivors face in coming forward due to the lasting psychological impact of childhood trauma.
Understanding Arkansas Window for Childhood Sexual Abuse:
The newly established “lookback window” acknowledges the delayed reporting of childhood sexual abuse cases, with more than half of victims in the United States coming forward after the age of 50. The window, open from February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026, allows survivors, regardless of when the abuse occurred or their current age, to file civil claims.
Historical Perspective:
The legal journey for survivors gained momentum with Act 1036 in 2021, which allowed vulnerable victims to file civil suits before reaching 55 years of age. Act 616 of 2023 removed the age limitation, reinforcing the commitment to providing a pathway for justice for survivors.
Arkansas’s Alarming Sexual Abuse Statistics:
Arkansas faces a grim reality, ranking among the states with the highest reported rates of sexual abuse. Recent studies reveal that one in four girls and one in 14 boys experience childhood sexual abuse in the nation. State Sen. David Wallace emphasizes that the state has sent a clear message that childhood sexual abuse will not be tolerated.
Arkansas’s commitment to justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse is evident through the enactment and subsequent amendments of the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act. As the legal window opens, survivors now have an opportunity to seek civil justice, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Contact us to explore your legal options during this critical two-year window in Arkansas.
1-866-311-8640
info@vca.law
