SENATOR ANTONACCI STANDS WITH SURVIVORS, VOTES FOR CHILD VICTIMS ACT

          State Senator Robert E. Antonacci II, CPA, Esq., (Onondaga, R-I-C-UJP) voted for The Child Victims Act (S.2440), which passed the State Senate yesterday.

          The Child Victims Act will raise the criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes by five years and raise the civil statute of limitations for causes of action brought by someone seeking redress for physical, psychological or other injury caused by child sexual abuse to age 55. Additionally, this legislation will create a one-year window, starting six months from the effective date of the bill, for past victims of child sexual abuse to initiate lawsuits against their abusers and the public and private institutions where the abuse occurred. Importantly, the bill eliminates the “notice of claim” requirements that created hurdles for victims to sue public institutions creating an equal playing field. Senator Antonacci fought for provisions to make sure all victims can seek justice.

          “Yesterday, I voted on behalf of child abuse survivors for the passage of the Child Victims Act. I hope this will help victims begin the road to recovery and healing and they will know their abuser is finally being held accountable,” said Senator Antonacci.

          The Child Victims Act passed the New York State Assembly, and is expected to be signed by Governor Cuomo soon.

          Senator Antonacci represents the 50^th Senate District, which includes parts of Onondaga County and parts of Cayuga County. The Senator has previously served on the board of Vera House, a Syracuse-based organization that provides a wide range of services for abuse survivors.

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