Personal injury and claims specialist Simon Murphy gives his opinion on the report that the time limit for victims to bring a claim following sexual abuse looks to be removed.
I welcome the news that the three-year limitation rule for historic child sexual abuse claims looks to end.
Currently, a claim must be brought within three years of the victim turning 18, and a lot of cases at present fail as the Claimant has to prove the abuse, and a fair trial is possible
This has always been a huge injustice. As specialists in this area of law, we know it can take years – even decades for someone to feel they can talk about such harrowing and damaging experiences.
At long last, the reforms are expected to be part of bills to be brought before Parliament in the next year.
The Ministry of Justice also said new laws would encourage employers to apologise for the actions of current or former employees. This will mean victims are more likely to receive long overdue apologies from institutions like schools, care facilities or hospitals.
Although nothing is set in stone until the bill is passed, if the three year restriction rule is removed, the burden will be on the defendant to prove the passage of time has created an unfair trial, rather than the victim or survivor having to prove a fair trial is possible.
It’s about time that the law stands on the side of victims of child sexual abuse and gives them a chance to seek justice when they feel ready to do so.
Read the news story Simon references here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgx05gy0p5o