Horace Mann Author Criticizes Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse

In 2012, Amos Kamil authored a 2012 New York Times Magazine article shedding light on a sexual abuse scandal at Horace Mann, an elite prep school in the Bronx. New York Daily News reports that Kamil has come out with a new book, “Great is the Truth” further investigating the issue; it details the individuals involved, including coaches, teachers and administrators accused of raping and and assaulting more than 60 students for three decades. Among other things, Kamil highlights how the statute of limitations law in New York makes it nearly impossible for child abuse survivors to pursue litigation as adults.

“It’s a joke,” Kamil says, according to NY Daily News. “It’s an arcane law that needs to change. The fact that New York does not have the political will to change this is sickening. Where is Gov. Cuomo on this?” He notes that murder, kidnapping and even fraud do not come with statutes of limitations.

“But in New York at least,” Kamil writes, “sexual abusers of children get a free pass after the victim turns 23.” Under New York law, victims can file lawsuits up to five years after the abuse is reported to the police, or until they turn 23-whichever occurs first. Critics of the law say it prevents institutions from taking action against sexual abuse.

Kamil is not the only one criticizing the SOL in New York. Since the 2006-2007 legislative session, State Assemblywoman Margaret Market has been pushing for the Queens Democrat’s Child Victims Act, which allow victims to report abuse until the age of 28. Additionally, it would give victims a one-year period to file lawsuits if they were previously prevented from filing due to the SOL. Although the bill has passed the Assembly, it has not passed the State Senate. Kamil says this is at least partly due to pushback from the Catholic Church and Orthodox Jewish groups, who want to prevent litigation. “Someone needs to stand up to these powerful forces opposing this bill,” Kamil says. “I point the finger at Gov. Cuomo.”

from Parker Waichman http://www.yourlawyer.com/blog/horace-mann-author-criticizes-statute-of-limitations-for-sexual-abuse/