In the U.S. mainland and here in the islands, a reckoning with the widespread incidence of sexual abuse by persons of trust in some of our major institutions is taking place.
- More than 80,000 claims for sexual abuse were filed in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings of the Boy Scouts of America, and a $2.4 billion settlement was approved by a bankruptcy judge in 2023.
- On Guam, the Catholic Church faced claims of sexual abuse from more than 200 individuals alleging that they were molested by members of the clergy from the 1950s to the 2010s.
Here, in the CNMI, the passage of Public Law 22-12 in November 2021 lifted the statute of limitations for filing civil claims for child sexual abuse, either against the perpetrator, an accomplice of the perpetrator, or an institution that shielded the perpetrator. This means that claims arising from abuse that took place even decades ago can now be heard in court. Civil claims for child sexual abuse are an important means for victims not only to hold the perpetrator accountable and seek monetary compensation, but also to afford a sense of closure and help deter other perpetrators. Moreover, even if a perpetrator may have passed away or is nowhere to be found, with the lifting of the statute of limitations, civil claims may allow victims of sexual abuse from decades ago to bring to justice the institution that condoned or facilitated such misconduct.
If you or a loved one were a victim of sexual violence or assault in the CNMI, our lawyers at Banes Horey Berman & Miller can help. We understand if you suffered sexual violence at a young age, you may not want to come forward with your story. Talking about traumatic experiences in a public setting such as a courtroom can be daunting and painful. We are here to help and will be with you every step of the way.
We want to make sure you understand your rights and legal options. Call us at (670) 234-5684 or use our convenient form to schedule a free and confidential consultation with one of our compassionate team members. We stand ready to put our skills and resources to work for you.