We are thrilled to see a new bill introduced in Congress yesterday to end the federal statute of limitations for those who seek justice after enduring sexual abuse or assault. Called “Virginia’s Law” in honor of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, it was introduced in the Senate by Chuck Schumer and in the House by Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández.
When he introduced the bill on the Senate floor, Sen. Schumer said: “Congress should pass this law immediately. We know when Congress has the will, it can pass legislation at lightning speed: we passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act through both chambers in a day. There is no good reason to delay with this bill which I’ll introduce later today.”
A Senate Democrats news release described the bill this way: “Currently, federal law allows a federal claim to proceed by a victim if it is brought within 10 years of the abuse. Virginia’s Law removes the statute of limitations for adult survivors to hold their abusers accountable at a time that is right for the survivor – when they are strong and mentally healthy to be able to face the significant challenges of civil litigation. The bill also creates new causes of action to ensure survivors can bring additional claims against abusers.”
In 2022, President Joe Biden signed a law removing the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sex abuse, but it did not retroactively apply to crimes committed prior to Sept. 15, 2022. Virginia’s Law would end the 10-year limit for adult survivors to sue, allowing them more time to come to terms with their abuse.
Key points in the bill include:
Ending Statutes of Limitations: The bill would remove time limits for survivors to file federal civil claims, ensuring that justice does not “expire.”
One-Year Look-Back Window: Survivors whose claims were already expired under the 2022 bill’s 10-year federal statute of limitations would have a one-year window to file civil lawsuits that would otherwise be blocked by the deadline.
Expanded Jurisdiction: The law clarifies that traffickers cannot escape accountability by committing abuses in other jurisdictions, including those occurring outside U.S. soil if a U.S. court has jurisdiction.
ACTION ALERT: Now is the time to call your Senate and Congressional representatives and ask them to co-sponsor this bill! This should be a bill with bipartisan support.
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