Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 2125

Tonight's special guest is Gregory J Cannata, an attorney from New York City. Recently, New York State passed the Child Victims Act, which extends the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits for victims of child sex abuse (CSA). Individuals who were previously barred from bringing lawsuits can now do so until they are 55 years old (there are some other exceptions as well). Gregory's firm has received many inquiries from adults who were sexually abused as children. The Child Victims Act changes New York State’s strict statute of limitations on CSA and opens up a one-year window to revive past claims of any age. It does three main things: (1) Extend New York's statute of limitations to allow for criminal charges against sexual abusers of children until their victims turn 28 for felony cases, up from the current 23; (2) Allow victims to seek civil action against their abusers and institutions until they turn 55; and (3) Open up a one-year period to allow all victims to seek civil action, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Gregory has been a practicing NYC attorney for 41 years. He began his career with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting many crimes, including sex crimes against children and adults. After the DA’s Office, he transitioned to civil law, where he represents a wide range of plaintiffs injured by the acts of others. These cases include children sexually abused in school and church settings. His firm wants to be the best possible advocate for survivors of child sex abuse and is looking for resources to help his clients process their childhood trauma. NAASCA is proud to provide such resources to child abuse survivors in New York, the United States, and the world.