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Oregon is on the verge of enacting legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault. House Bill 3582, passed unanimously by the Oregon House yesterday, aims to provide survivors with the opportunity to seek justice, regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred, Oregon Public Media reported.
Currently, Oregon law requires survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims by age 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse’s impact. Adult survivors have a five-year window from the time they connect the assault to resulting harm. HB 3582 seeks to remove these time constraints, acknowledging that the healing process varies for each individual and that delayed reporting is common due to trauma.
The bill also addresses institutional accountability by removing the requirement that entities must have “knowingly” allowed or encouraged abuse to be held liable. This change aims to prevent organizations from evading responsibility due to technicalities.
While the bill is not retroactive for cases where the statute of limitations has already expired, it represents a significant step forward for future survivors seeking justice. The legislation now moves to the Oregon Senate for consideration.
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault in Oregon, know that you are not alone, and accountability and compensation are possible. The proposed changes in HB 3582 recognize the enduring impact of trauma and the importance of allowing survivors to come forward in their own time.
If you or a loved one is a victim of sexual abuse or assault that occurred in Oregon, SurvivorsRights.com may help connect you with an experienced Oregon sexual abuse attorney who understand the complexities of these cases. Our network of compassionate legal professionals can guide you through the process, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Justice and compensation are possible, even decades after the abuse. Take the first step toward healing by reaching out for a free and confidential case review by filling out the form below. Your story matters, and help is available.
To learn more about your legal rights, visit our page, “Speak With a Trusted Oregon Sexual Abuse Attorney.”
