The Limitation of Actions Amendment (Child Abuse) Bill Vic 2014 has passed both houses of the Victorian Parliament and is now awaiting assent.
The Bill will provide greater access to justice for child abuse victims, removing time limitations to civil claims for damages. Currently, time limitations are one of the major barriers faced by victims of child abuse who wish to pursue legal action, and there is a complex range of limitations applying to civil claims dependent on circumstances. Limitation periods often discourage victims from bringing their claims in court, and the expiration of a limitation period may be used against victims in negotiations – often to reduce the settlement amount offered.
(source Media Release Hon Martin Pakula Attorney General)