Michigan “Justice for Survivors” Law for Childhood Sexual Abuse

The Michigan “Justice for Survivors” legislative package (S.B. 1187-1192), passes the Senate and heads to the House in the hopes of ushering in reforms to the state’s statute of limitations laws. This legislation includes a one-year revival window that allows survivors to file civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred, a small step in addressing the reality of delayed disclosure and ensuring survivors have their day in court. Michigan remains the state with the most restrictive window legislation passed as “two years” has become the standard. But alas, it’s progress. The Michigan House must now concur.

This package comes in response to the urgent need for justice, underscored by high-profile cases like Larry Nassar, Catholic Church, Boy Scouts and others where survivors bravely came forward years after their abuse to hold their abusers and institutions accountable.

At Andreozzi + Foote, our sexual abuse attorneys applaud Michigan’s Senate for recognizing that justice cannot be confined by arbitrary timelines. Survivors deserve the opportunity to tell their truth and seek accountability — on their terms.

Key Provisions of the “Justice for Survivors” Package

1. One-Year Revival Window
   Survivors who previously missed their opportunity to file a civil claim due to expired statutes of limitations can now bring a claim within one year of the law’s passage. This is a vital opportunity for survivors to reclaim their voice and seek justice, even if the abuse occurred decades ago.
2. Extended Statute of Limitations for Civil Claims
   Survivors now have:
   • Up to 10 years after the incident to file a civil lawsuit.
   • Seven years after recognizing the assault, a critical acknowledgment of delayed disclosure.
   • Until the age of 42 for childhood sexual assault survivors to bring forward a claim.
3. Elimination of Time Limits for Convicted Perpetrators
   If a perpetrator has been criminally convicted of sexual assault, survivors can file a civil lawsuit at any time. This ensures that no one who has been proven guilty of these heinous crimes can escape accountability.
4. Accountability for Educational Institutions
   Under the new legislation, educational institutions can no longer claim immunity from civil lawsuits if they knew — or should have known — about criminal sexual conduct involving their staff or agents. This provision is particularly significant in cases like Larry Nassar, where survivors alleged Michigan State University ignored warning signs.

Why the Justice for Survivors Law is Critical 

The passage in the Senate is a recognition of what survivors and advocates have been saying for years: the trauma of sexual abuse does not operate on a timeline. For many survivors, coming to terms with what happened and finding the courage to speak out can take decades. Research shows the average age of disclosure for childhood sexual abuse survivors is 52 years old.

Delayed disclosure happens for many reasons:

• Fear and Shame: Survivors, especially children, may feel afraid of retaliation or believe they won’t be believed.
• Trauma Repression: The brain often blocks memories as a coping mechanism for severe trauma.
• Institutional Cover-Ups: In cases involving schools, churches, and youth organizations, survivors may face systemic efforts to silence them.

The old, restrictive statutes of limitations meant that survivors who were not ready to come forward within a narrow window were denied justice forever. If passed in the House, Michigan’s new law will change that. It will open the door for survivors to step forward, hold perpetrators and enabling institutions accountable, and begin the process of healing.

High-Profile Cases Like Larry Nassar Prove the Need for Change

The disgusting case of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, revealed how predators can exploit trust and institutions can fail survivors. Nassar abused hundreds of young athletes under the guise of medical treatment, while institutions ignored warning signs for years.

Many of Nassar’s survivors were only able to come forward as adults, after decades of carrying the trauma alone. Their stories — and their courage — forced Michigan to confront the injustice of short statutes of limitations. This new law will ensure future survivors have an opportunity to seek justice.

How the One-Year Revival Window Will Help Survivors

For survivors who thought they missed their chance to file a claim, the one-year revival window will provide a crucial opportunity to pursue accountability. This provision reflects the reality of delayed disclosure and empowers survivors to take legal action against abusers and institutions that enabled the abuse. While it falls short of what other states have done, it’s a step forward.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, now is the time to speak with a sexual abuse attorney to understand your rights. If you live in Michigan, contact your House Representative today and encourage them to pass the “Justice for Survivors” Law.

Accountability for Educational Institutions

One of the most powerful aspects of the “Justice for Survivors” package is holding educational institutions accountable. Schools, colleges, and universities will no longer be able to hide behind immunity if they failed to act on knowledge of sexual misconduct. This law ensures that institutions are held to the highest standard of care, protecting students and preventing future abuse.

How a Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help

At Andreozzi + Foote, we have seen how transformative these laws can be for survivors. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys have represented clients in landmark cases nationwide, securing justice and holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.

If you were sexually abused as a child or adult, Michigan’s “Justice for Survivors” law will give you an opportunity to take action — even if the abuse happened decades ago. The revival window will be time-sensitive, so it’s important to speak with a sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible.

The Road to Justice Begins Now

The passage of Michigan’s “Justice for Survivors” in the Senate marks a turning point. It acknowledges the reality of delayed disclosure, removes barriers to justice, and holds institutions accountable for their failures. Once the House concurs, survivors in Michigan now have the tools to reclaim their voices and seek accountability.

If you’re a survivor, know this: It’s not too late to get justice. At Andreozzi + Foote, our sexual abuse attorneys are here to guide you through this process with compassion and experience.

Contact Andreozzi + Foote

To learn more about your rights under Michigan’s future law and how we can help you pursue justice, contact us today at Andreozzi + Foote. Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard. Call us today at 1-866-753-5458 or email at info@vca.law