News

The Marie Collins Foundation is delighted with the announcement on the removal of time limits for child sexual abuse claims. Alongside members of our Lived Experience Group, we advocated for the removal of the limitation period during the public consultation process. The effects of child sexual abuse can be prolonged and circuitous over a victim’s life course. Coming to terms with abuse and disclosure can be a fraught process, taking many years. This change to the law now correctly reflects that child sexual abuse victims may need ample time to process their abusive experience and decide whether to make a civil application for damages. Recovery from abuse does not follow a prescriptive format, conducive to time constraints. The change to limitation law demonstrates a more trauma-informed approach and permits improved access to justice for victims of child sexual abuse. We also welcome changes to the law around issuing of apologies. Sincere, accurate and specific apologies are important and can foster meaningful healing and recovery in victims’ lives. These changes to the law are positive developments and we celebrate them with our Lived Experience Group today.