Does a Lengthy Statute of Limitation Help Prevent Child Abuse?
No. The most important tool in preventing child abuse is to promptly remove perpetrators from having access to children. One cannot remove a perpetrator without notice there is a perpetrator. This is why state law requires reporting of child abuse within 12 hours after one has “reasonable cause to suspect” abuse is likely. One of the reasons the law permits individuals to file suit for personal injury damages is to put those being sued on notice that they or their personnel may be a risk to others. Prompt claim making helps remove dangerous conditions and people to protect others from being injured.
