Child victims of sexual, physical and mental abuse will now have the right to take civil action in South Australia’s courts at any stage in their lives.
The legislation passed the Legislative Council late today, with significant amendments by the Shadow Minister for Child Protection Jayne Stinson.
Currently a person who was abused when they were aged under 18 has until their 21st birthday to commence civil legal proceedings against their abuser or other responsible parties.
The Government introduced a Bill to allow childhood victims of sexual abuse to sue at any time in their lives. The change was recommended by the National Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Labor supported the removal of time limits, but moved to expand it to also cover child victims of physical and mental abuse.
Quotes attributable to Shadow Minister for Child Protection Jayne Stinson
This change will send a clear message to perpetrators – if you abuse a child you will never be safe from the full force of the law – civil and criminal.
This change means that all childhood victims are treated the same – regardless of the type of abuse they have suffered.
Having worked with victims of childhood abuse for more than a decade, I know that it can take decades for a survivor to come to terms with their abuse and decide to take legal action.
Survivors shouldn’t be forced to rush such an important decision and they shouldn’t miss out on the right to sue because of an arbitrary time limit.
I thank the crossbench and the Government for supporting Labor’s amendments in the interests of victims of childhood crime.