NY Adults Seek Justice Through the Adults Survivors Act
New legislation that the New York State Senate passed will give adults who were sexually abused a one-year window to sue their abusers, regardless of when the abuse occurred. As of April 26, the Adults Survivors Act is now in the hands of the Assembly, and many are hoping this will finally allow sexual abuse survivors in New York state to receive the justice they deserve.
The Adults Survivors Act is similar to the Child Victims Act. This act was passed in 2019 and allowed adults who were sexually abused a one-year window to sue those who abused them as a child. Eventually extended due to the pandemic, the law allowed for more than 10,000 lawsuits in New York, reported Democrat & Chronicle.
Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal stated on Twitter earlier in the month, “Everyone deserves their chance at justice.” Many believe this act can provide justice to those affected by sexual abuse and awareness to those who may become potential victims of it. This includes Alex J. Parker, an educator who gives awareness speeches around the state of New York, and a psychologist who specializes in protecting individuals and providing education about sexual predators, specifically to youths.
Parker states that many individuals are too trusting in who they communicate with, specifically teenagers, and notes that predators more often than not, “lurk in the dark.”
“There are many different types of predators,” Parker says, “some I believe just want a close relationship with a young person as it is fulfilling something for them. Maybe they are getting some sense of love out of it…[predators] may get off on a sense of power that this gives them.”
To Parker, there are just two important things kids need to stay safe from predators: awareness and education. “I don’t think you can identify a set of rules that will make teens safe from predators, so I think it starts with making individuals aware of how predators operate so they can recognize the warning signs.”
For adults who are living on their own, Parker urges them to trust their instincts. “Often in your gut, you get a sense of, ‘this is feeling creepy.’ What predators want to do is build trust with you, and that is where it all begins. They’ll validate your feelings and they will compliment you and offer gifts.” Actions such as these are a form of grooming and Parker urges people to be aware of what their gut is telling them.
For those who unfortunately have become victims of sexual abuse, under the Adults Survivors Act they will now be able to obtain the justice they deserve. Supporters of this act have come out in masses, including over 200 women who alleged that New York City gynecologist Robert Hadden sexually abused them in the 1990s and 2000s. This act will give each individual woman the chance to sue Hadden.
Throughout the Hudson Valley, there are a number of organizations that work actively to assist individuals who are victims of sexual abuse. Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. works “to build an informed, just, and accountable society so all people can experience supportive and safe relationships free from abuse, exploitation, and oppression.” Located in Newburgh, Fearless! has provided help to thousands of individuals, as they state on their website that they have provided 23,276 advocacy services, 3,833 nights of safety, and served 5,467 adults and children provided 11,123 hotline calls during 2021. You can learn more at https://fearlesshv.org/.
