Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations by State [2025 Guide]

Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations for Each State

The following is a state-by-state reference of civil statutes of limitations for sexual abuse lawsuits.

Please remember that this information is for reference only.

For most states, the statute of limitations for adults is two to four years, following personal injury limits.

However, state laws are constantly changing, and you must consult an attorney to determine the precise deadline for your sexual assault case, especially when children are involved.

Alabama

In Alabama, survivors generally have two years from the date of the abuse or its discovery to file a civil sexual abuse claim.

For childhood sexual abuse, the statute typically begins when the survivor turns 19, the state’s age of majority.

Alabama does not currently provide a lookback window or revival period for expired claims.

Efforts to extend or remove the limitations for child sexual abuse survivors have been proposed but not enacted.

Alaska

Alaska has taken a strong stance on childhood sexual abuse claims.

For felony sexual abuse of a minor or felony sexual assault, there is no time limit to bring a civil action against the perpetrator.

For other claims or adult victims, the general limitations period for personal injury is three years.

The state employs a delayed discovery rule, allowing the two-year period to begin when the plaintiff “discovered or, through the use of reasonable diligence, should have discovered that the act caused the injury or condition.”

No recent, temporary “lookback window” has been enacted, but the permanent “no time limit” rule for certain felonies against minors provides broad protection.

Arizona

In Arizona, adult survivors generally have two years from the act or discovery of abuse to file a civil lawsuit.

For childhood sexual abuse, victims have until age 30, or within 12 years after the cause of action accrues, whichever is later.

Arizona enacted a temporary revival window in 2019, allowing previously time-barred childhood abuse claims to be filed until December 31, 2020.

While that window has closed, the reform marked a major expansion of survivor rights.

Arkansas

Arkansas permits survivors to bring civil claims for childhood sexual abuse until age 55, extended significantly under 2021 reforms.

Adult victims of sexual assault typically have three years to file from the date of injury or discovery.

There has also been a look-back window that began on February 1st, 2024, and lasts until January 31st, 2026, as an extension of the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act.

California

California provides one of the most survivor-friendly frameworks in the nation.

Adult victims generally have 10 years from the assault or three years from discovery of the abuse’s psychological injury.

For California child victims, they can file until age 40 or within five years of discovery, whichever is later.

In 2019, the state enacted the California Child Victims Act, reopening a three-year lookback window (2020–2022) for expired childhood claims.

More recently, the Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act (2023) created another one-year revival window through December 31st, 2023.

Colorado

Colorado allows survivors of sexual assault to file a civil lawsuit within three years of the assault, with extensions for delayed discovery.

For child sex abuse, the statute previously limited claims to within six years after the victim turned 18, but a major reform in 2021 removed the time limit for abuse occurring after January 1st, 2022.

Colorado also opened a lookback window (2022–2025), allowing victims of past child sexual abuse to bring previously barred claims.

Connecticut

The deadline for civil lawsuits extends significantly for survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

Victims have up to 30 years after turning 21, meaning they have until age 51, to file a claim.

Furthermore, if the perpetrator is convicted of first-degree sexual assault, there is no statute of limitations to bring a related civil action against the abuser, including adult victims.

Delaware

Delaware abolished the statute of limitations for all childhood sexual abuse claims.

Survivors can file at any time.

Adult victims generally have two years from the date of injury or discovery to file.

Delaware was one of the first states to enact a lookback window, reopening expired childhood abuse claims for two years (2007–2009) under its Child Victims Act.

This landmark reform paved the way for other states to follow suit.

Florida

In Florida, adult survivors of sexual battery must generally file within four years of the incident or discovery.

However, for childhood sexual abuse, there is no statute of limitations if the victim was under 16 at the time.

For older minors, survivors have until age 25 or within seven years of reaching adulthood, whichever is later.

Florida does not currently have a revival window, though legislative proposals have sought to expand survivor access for older cases.

Georgia

Georgia’s general statute of limitations for sexual abuse civil claims is two years from the date of injury or discovery.

For childhood sexual abuse, survivors have until age 23 to bring claims under standard rules.

However, in 2015 and again in 2020, Georgia enacted limited lookback windows (under the Hidden Predator Act) that allowed expired childhood sexual abuse claims to be revived temporarily.

Although those windows have now closed, they represent significant recognition of survivors’ need for delayed access to justice.

Hawaii

Hawaii has been a national leader in expanding survivors’ rights.

There is no statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse.

Claims can be brought at any time.

Adult survivors generally have two years from the discovery of the abuse or resulting psychological injury.

Hawaii was also among the first states to enact multiple lookback windows: first in 2012–2014, then 2014–2020, and again in 2020–2022, each allowing previously time-barred victims to sue.

Idaho

In Idaho, civil lawsuits must be filed within either: five years after the victim turns 18 (until age 23), or five years after the victim discovers the injury and the causal relationship to the abuse.

This discovery rule offers a critical extension for survivors who may not realize the long-term effects of the trauma until later in life.

Illinois

Illinois law provides an extended timeline for civil claims.

Survivors have until the later of either timeline: age 40 (22 years after turning 18) or 20 years from the date of discovering the abuse and its relationship to the injury.

For certain intentional felony sex crimes, the civil statute of limitations against the abuser has been eliminated entirely.

Indiana

The general statute of limitations is two years.

However, a civil action for child sexual abuse must be commenced within the later of either timelines: seven years after the abuse occurred or four years after the victim ceases to be a dependent of the perpetrator.

A separate discovery rule allows a victim to sue within four years from the time they discover the injury and its connection to the childhood sexual abuse.

Iowa

For civil cases, survivors of childhood sexual abuse must file suit by either one year after turning 18 (until age 19) or four years after discovering the injury and its causal link to the abuse.

Criminal statute has been eliminated, so there’s no time limit.

A special exception grants a five-year deadline from the date of last enrollment or treatment if the abuser was an educator, counselor, or therapist.

Kansas

Kansas has a dual-track system.

A survivor of childhood sexual assault can file a civil lawsuit until they reach the age of 31.

Beyond that age, the law provides a critical extension: if the alleged perpetrator is later convicted of the crimes committed, the victim has an additional three years from the date of the criminal conviction to file a civil claim, regardless of their current age.

This provision ensures that action taken by a law enforcement agency in the criminal sphere can reactivate the victim’s rights in the civil system.

Kentucky

Kentucky provides survivors who were minors when they were sexually abused with a civil statute of limitations that generally extends to the victim’s 28th birthday.

Furthermore, the state has, at various times, introduced “revival windows,” allowing victims whose claims were previously time-barred to file a civil lawsuit against their abuser or the institution that enabled the abuse.

This mechanism is a direct acknowledgment of how trauma can cause significant, long-term delays in a survivor’s ability to seek legal action.

Louisiana

Louisiana is among the states that have taken the most aggressive stance against restrictive deadlines.

The state has effectively abolished the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims.

This means a survivor can come forward at any time in their life, regardless of when the abuse occurred, to file a civil lawsuit.

Look-back windows have also been implemented.

For adult victims, the statute of limitations is one year.

Maine

While Maine had previously removed the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse in 2021, this has recently been struck down as unconstitutional.

Therefore, only claims that were not yet barred by the prior statute of limitations at the time the 2021 law took effect may now proceed without a time limit.

For adults, the statute of limitations is two years after the incident.

Maryland

Maryland has been at the forefront of reform.

The state’s Child Victims Act, passed in 2023, eliminated the civil statute of limitations entirely for all past and future claims of childhood sexual abuse.

This sweeping, retroactive change allows victims who may have been silenced for decades to finally pursue accountability through the civil court system, placing the survivor’s pursuit of healing and compensation above the procedural defense of time limits.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts allows childhood victims until they reach the age of 53 to bring a lawsuit against the perpetrator.

For incidents that occurred before the 2014 law change, there is a special seven-year window from the date a survivor discovers or realizes the psychological injury caused by the abuse.

Meanwhile, adults can file charges three years after the incident.

Michigan

In Michigan, a lawsuit must generally be commenced before the victim’s 28th birthday.

However, a more critical extension exists: the civil action can be filed within three years from the date the survivor discovers or reasonably should have discovered the link between the abuse and the resulting injury.

This framework is vital because a victim’s memory or understanding of the harm from sex trafficking or other abuse often takes years to surface.

Minnesota

Minnesota generally allows civil claims for abuse of a minor to be commenced at any time, except where a specific limitation applies.

However, adult victims must file charges within six years of the abuse.

Claims against a natural person who was under 14 at the time of the abuse must be brought before the victim’s 24th birthday.

Mississippi

Mississippi has temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for civil actions related to childhood sexual abuse from July 1st, 2024, to June 30th, 2027.

During this “lookback window,” a person can file a civil suit for certain offenses, regardless of age or the time elapsed since the abuse occurred.

For adult victims, the deadline is three years from the incident.

Missouri

In Missouri, survivors who were minors at the time of the abuse have until the age of 31 to file a civil claim.

An extension applies if the defendant is convicted, granting the victim an additional three years from the date of the conviction.

This rule provides a dual path to justice: civil action is separate from the state pursuing criminal charges, ensuring the victim is not solely dependent on the success of a criminal prosecution.

Montana

Montana’s civil statute of limitations depends on the survivor’s age and awareness.

Adults can file for up to three years after the assault.

A victim of childhood sexual abuse must generally file a lawsuit before they reach age 27.

Alternatively, the action may be commenced within three years after the plaintiff discovers or reasonably should have discovered that the injury was caused by the act, whichever occurs later.

Nebraska

In Nebraska, the time frame for a civil action against the individual perpetrator of childhood sexual abuse is generally unlimited if the assault occurred on or after August 24th, 2017, or before August 24th, 2017.

The victim is never barred from suing the abuser. Otherwise, the victim has until the 12th year after their 21st birthday to file charges.

Nevada

Nevada has no civil statute of limitations against the individual abuser for sexual abuse of minors, while adults have two years.

However, claims against third-party institutions must generally be filed by the victim’s 38th birthday.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire also has no civil statute of limitations (unlimited time) for filing a sexual abuse claim against the individual perpetrator.

This permanent extension applies equally to both child and adult victims for conduct defined as sexual assault or incest, marking a significant reform.

New Jersey

For childhood sexual abuse claims, New Jersey extends the civil statute of limitations until the victim’s 55th birthday.

Alternatively, a survivor has seven years from the date they reasonably discover the injury and its causal link to the abuse or rape, whichever is later.

New Mexico

New Mexico’s civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse is the later of two deadlines: the victim’s 24th birthday or three years from the date they first disclose the abuse to a licensed medical or mental health provider.

This period applies to claims against the individual perpetrator and third-party institutions.

Adults, meanwhile, can file up to three years after the incident occurred.

New York

The New York Child Victims Act (CVA) allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and any enabling institution until they turn 55 years old.

This vastly extended timeframe replaced the prior deadline of age 23. For adults, the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) allowed a temporary “lookback window” for previously time-barred claims, which closed in August 2021.

The statute now provides a much longer period for survivors to seek justice at 20 years.

North Carolina

A plaintiff may file a civil action based on the allegation of sexual abuse suffered as a minor until the plaintiff reaches 28 years of age.

Furthermore, a plaintiff may file a civil action within two years of a criminal conviction for a related felony sexual offense against a defendant, regardless of the victim’s current age.

North Carolina’s SAFE Child Act, which extended this deadline and provided a look-back window, has also been interpreted to apply to institutions that allegedly failed in their duty and criminal intent to protect children.

North Dakota

A claim must be filed within 21 years of when the cause of action accrued.

If the victim was under age 15, the 21-year limit doesn’t start until age 15.

This allows a claim until at least age 39. The law also waives the need to prove a specific act in a series that caused the injury.

Any claim resulting from general sexual assault, abuse, or other sexual acts must be made within nine years after the date the act occurred.

Ohio

A civil claim for childhood sexual abuse must be brought within 12 years of when the victim reaches the age of majority (age 18), meaning the claim must be filed by the victim’s 30th birthday.

In October 2023, Ohio enacted a limited law, referred to as the “Scout’s Honor Law,” that voids the standard statute of limitations specifically for claims against the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy estate.

Oklahoma

For adult victims in Oklahoma, two years is the filing deadline.

The civil statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse was extended to the victim’s 45th birthday for claims after 2017.

This non-retroactive extension means that older claims already barred by the previous two-year limit after age 18 cannot be filed, leaving many adult survivors without a civil remedy.

Oregon

Oregon childhood sexual abuse survivors have until they reach the age of 40 to file a civil lawsuit, or five years from the date they discover the causal connection between the abuse and their injuries, whichever is later.

The limit for adults is much shorter, at only two years after the incident.

Pennsylvania

The civil statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims in Pennsylvania was extended to the victim’s 55th birthday in 2019.

However, this extension is not retroactive. It only applies to cases of abuse that occurred after the law’s effective date. For adults, the statute of limitations is two years.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island has one of the longest civil statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims in the country.

A survivor has up to 35 years from the last act of abuse, with the clock beginning when they turn 18 (or until age 53).

Alternatively, they have seven years from the date they discovered that the abuse caused their injury or condition, even if that pushes the deadline past the 35-year limit.

Meanwhile, adult victims have three years before the statute of limitations ends.

South Carolina

The civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse or incest that occurred during childhood is the later of two deadlines.

First, the survivor must file a civil lawsuit within six years after they reach the age of 21.

Alternatively, they have three years from the time they discover the injury and its causal relationship to the abuse.

Parental immunity is explicitly rejected as a defense.

South Dakota

A civil action for damages resulting from childhood sexual abuse must be filed within the later of: three years of the act alleged to cause the injury, or three years from the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered the causal injury.

Meanwhile, adults have up to three years to file a case.

Tennessee

For childhood sexual abuse claims that occurred on or after July 1st, 2019, a survivor has until the later of: 15 years after turning 18 (until age 33), or three years from the date they discovered the injury or illness caused by the abuse.

Claims for abuse that occurred before July 1st, 2019, remain subject to shorter, more restrictive time limits.

Texas

Texas has a significantly extended civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims.

A survivor has until 30 years after their 18th birthday to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and third-party institutions.

This extended period applies to claims that were still valid when the 2019 law took effect, and all claims for abuse that occurred after that date.

Utah

Utah allows adults to file up to four years after the incident.

Claims against the direct perpetrator of childhood sexual abuse have no statute of limitations and can be filed at any time.

However, lawsuits against third-party entities (non-perpetrators) must be filed by the victim’s 22nd birthday (four years after age 18) or within four years of discovery if it occurs after age 18, whichever period expires later.

Vermont

Vermont has effectively removed the statute of limitations for civil actions related to adult and childhood sexual or physical abuse, allowing lawsuits to be commenced at any time after the act.

This law, enacted in 2019, applies retroactively to all past abuse claims, even those previously barred. For older claims against entities, damages may require a finding of gross negligence.

Virginia

For victims of childhood sexual abuse (infancy or incapacity), a civil lawsuit must be filed within 20 years after the cause of action accrues, generally until the victim reaches age 38.

For an adult victim of sexual abuse, a claim must be filed within 10 years of the abuse.

However, if the adult victim was abused by a person of authority, the deadline is extended to 15 years after the cause of action accrues.

Washington

Washington has no time limit for a civil lawsuit based on childhood sexual abuse that occurred on or after June 6th, 2024.

For abuse that occurred before that date, the survivor must file the claim within three years of the act or within three years of discovering the injury or its causal connection to the abuse.

For adults, the state allows up to three years to file after the incident.

West Virginia

For victims of childhood sexual abuse, a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or any aiding/abetting entity must be brought within either of these options: 18 years after the victim reaches the age of majority, or four years after the victim’s discovery of the sexual assault or abuse.

Wisconsin

The deadline for childhood sexual abuse claims is generally extended until the victim reaches age 35 for certain serious felonies or institutional abuse (schools, churches).

Other claims against a perpetrator must be filed by the victim’s 20th birthday.

Adult victims have three years to file a civil suit from the date of the abuse.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, the deadline for a civil lawsuit based on childhood sexual abuse is the later of: 8 years after the victim’s 18th birthday, or three years after the abuse is discovered.

For adult victims, the deadline is four years from the date of the abuse.

The law has retroactive application.

Lookback Windows and Revival Statutes

A lookback window, also known as a revival statute, is a special, temporary period enacted by a state legislature that allows individuals to file civil lawsuits for past incidents of child sexual abuse (CSA) or assault that would otherwise be permanently time-barred by the standard statute of limitations.

These laws are typically passed to provide justice to survivors, particularly those of childhood sexual abuse, who struggled for years or decades with repressed memory, trauma, fear, or a sense of institutional silence that prevented them from coming forward within the old, restrictive deadlines.

Once the lookback window closes, the old, or newly reformed, statute of limitations then applies to any future filings, and previously time-barred claims generally become barred again.

Here are the states that passed lookback windows and their current status:

• Arizona: A 19-month window for all past CSA claims opened in 2019 and is closed.
• Arkansas: A 2-year window for CSA claims opened in 2021 and is closed. Another is open and lasts until January 21st, 2026.
• California (CSA): A 3-year window for CSA claims opened Jan. 1st, 2020, and closed Dec. 31st, 2022.
• California (Adult): A 3-year window for adult sexual assault claims (for incidents after Jan. 1st, 2009) opened Jan. 1st, 2023, and is active until Dec. 31st, 2026.
• Colorado: A lookback window for CSA claims (dating back to 1960) was enacted but was later struck down as unconstitutional by the state Supreme Court.
• Delaware: The state enacted a lookback window from 2007 to 2009.
• Hawaii: The state had three look-back windows, with the most recent one closing in 2020.
• Louisiana: A 3-year window for CSA claims opened in June 2021 and was later extended, now active until June 14th, 2027.
• Maryland: The SOL for civil lawsuits based on CSA was permanently and retroactively removed, effective in 2023.
• Mississippi: A window for CSA and related offenses opened July 1st, 2024, and is active until June 30th, 2027.
• Nevada: The SOL for CSA and exploitation claims was permanently and retroactively eliminated in 2021.
• New Jersey: A 2-year window for child and adult sex abuse claims opened Dec. 1st, 2019, and closed Dec. 1st, 2021.
• New York (CVA): The window for childhood sexual abuse claims opened Aug. 2019 and was later closed Aug. 14th, 2021.
• New York (ASA): A 1-year window for adult sexual assault claims opened Nov. 24th, 2022, and closed Nov. 23rd, 2023.
• North Carolina: A 2-year window for CSA claims opened Jan. 1st, 2020, and closed Jan. 1st, 2022.
• Rhode Island: Permanently revived expired civil claims against the perpetrator (up to 35 years or 7 years after discovery).
• Vermont: The SOL for CSA claims was permanently and retroactively eliminated in 2019.
• Washington D.C.: A 2-year window for CSA claims (under age 40) opened May 3rd, 2019, and closed May 3rd, 2021.

Differences in How Each State Treats Child Sexual Abuse

States treat civil claims for child sexual abuse with a wide array of deadlines, often recognizing the unique challenges survivors face in disclosing abuse.

The primary mechanisms for extending the filing period are tolling and granting extra years post-adulthood.

Tolling suspends the running of the statute of limitations while the victim is a minor, usually starting the clock when they reach the age of majority (age 18).

For instance, a state with a four-year statute of limitations will typically give a survivor until their 22nd birthday to file.

Many states go further by granting extra years beyond age 18.

Instead of the clock starting at 18, the filing deadline is extended into adulthood. For example, some states may allow a victim to file until age 25, 30, or even their mid-50s.

A few states have adopted the most expansive reforms.

Minnesota, for instance, has eliminated the time limit entirely for most CSA claims, allowing survivors to file a civil suit against the perpetrator or an enabling institution at any time.

Other states, such as Nevada and Maryland, have also adopted permanent, retroactive eliminations of the statute of limitations for these claims.

These varied approaches show a growing national recognition of the long-term impact of CSA trauma on survivors.

Practical Advice and Caveats

Laws governing civil sexual abuse claims are constantly changing.

Because statutes of limitations change frequently, survivors must verify the current deadline for their state.

Even if a claim appears expired, a recently passed lookback window (revival statute) or a specific court ruling may still allow a lawsuit to proceed.

Survivors should contact a specialized sexual abuse attorney to protect evidence and preserve their legal position, as delays can be detrimental.

Please also note that the above information covers civil time limits for financial compensation, and not the separate, often longer, or non-existent criminal statutes for prosecution.

TorHoerman Law: Sexual Abuse Attorneys

At TorHoerman Law, we know that time alone does not erase the impact of sexual abuse.

Many survivors live for years, even decades, before finding the strength or safety to come forward.

The laws surrounding statutes of limitations can feel complicated, but our legal team is here to help you understand exactly how they apply to your situation.

Whether the abuse occurred recently or long ago, you may still have the right to file a civil lawsuit and pursue justice against those who caused harm or allowed it to continue.

Our attorneys take a trauma-informed approach to every case, providing both legal guidance and compassion as you take this step forward.

We review each case with care, explain your options clearly, and fight to hold institutions, abusers, and enablers accountable.

No survivor should feel alone when seeking justice.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free, confidential consultation.

Your story matters and we are here to help you understand your rights, your timeline, and your path toward healing.