Helping Survivors
New Jersey Sex Abuse Statute of Limitations
For survivors of sexual assault or abuse, trying to understand their rights may seem overwhelming. New Jersey offers support, advocacy, and reporting resources to assist survivors on the path to recovery and healing. Moreover, state law provides legal options to hold the responsible parties accountable. However, the options available to you depend on the statute of limitations, which sets the deadline for taking legal action.
Helping Survivors is here to provide immediate assistance and connect you with legal guidance.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse and Assault in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations is a law that imposes a deadline for taking legal action. Criminal statutes of limitations impose deadlines for prosecutors to file criminal charges against the perpetrators, whereas civil statutes of limitations determine how long after an incident a victim can file a lawsuit over a sexual assault or abuse.
Reporting abuse to the authorities may result in criminal charges being filed against the perpetrator, potentially resulting in jail time. Conversely, civil lawsuits hold the perpetrator or other legally responsible entities accountable by requiring them to compensate the victim for their losses.
In New Jersey, the statutes of limitations for criminal actions differ from the deadlines for civil actions.
Criminal Statutes of Limitations in NJ
In New Jersey, prosecutors may have strict deadlines to file criminal charges against sexual offenders. Those deadlines generally vary based on the severity of the offense and the age of the victim.
The following are the relevant statutes of limitations for criminal offenses in New Jersey:
- Child sexual abuse: New Jersey has no criminal statute of limitations for sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault, regardless of the victim’s age. For the lesser offense of sexual contact with a victim under age 18, prosecutors must file charges by the victim’s 23rd birthday or within two years of when they discover the harm related to the abuse, whichever is later..
- Adult sexual assault: New Jersey eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for the most serious sexual offenses in 1996. Thus, there is no deadline for reporting sexual assault or aggravated sexual assault. Even for survivors whose abuse occurred in 1991 through 1996, criminal charges may still be an option. For criminal sexual contact, the deadline to report abuse is five years for adult victims.
Civil Statutes of Limitations in NJ
The applicable civil statute limitation in New Jersey also depends on the age of the victim. The relevant deadlines are as follows:
- Child sexual abuse: After New Jersey reformed its civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse in 2019, survivors can now file a lawsuit against perpetrators and negligent institutions any time before their 55th birthday, or within seven years of discovering the harm the abuse caused.
- Adult sexual assault: Under New Jersey’s new statutes of limitations, survivors of adult sexual assault have seven years from the date of the assault or the discovery of the harm it caused to file a lawsuit.
New Jersey Sexual Assault Laws
On May 13, 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed S. 477/A. 3648 into law, permanently expanding the state’s civil statutes of limitations for sexual assault. The reform also created a revival window, allowing survivors of any age to file a lawsuit regardless of how long ago the harm occurred. That look-back window expired in November 2021.
Reporting Sex Abuse in New Jersey
Survivors of sexual assault or abuse in New Jersey have numerous options for reporting the abuse to authorities and local oversight agencies. Additionally, New Jersey law gives victims certain guaranteed rights during the reporting and investigation process.
In September 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed S. 1017/A. 3748 into law, requiring that victims of sexual violence be notified of certain developments concerning the evidence in their cases. Law enforcement agencies must provide updates on the status of all evidence collected at the victim’s request, including information on DNA evidence.
The Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights, enacted in 2019, also protects victims of sexual violence in New Jersey. Under this law, survivors have the right to choose whether to report the assault, have their report taken seriously, access to information about evidence collection and preservation, financial compensation, the no-cost services of a Sexual Assault Response Team, medical and counseling services, STD testing, and more. These rights are guaranteed even if the assault is not reported to law enforcement.
Reporting Sexual Abuse for Minors
In New Jersey, any person with reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse should immediately report it to the State Central Registry. Reports can be made anonymously and without proof.
The New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, which handles child abuse cases and investigates allegations, can be reached at 1-877-NJ-ABUSE, or 1-877-652-2873. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
Reporting Sexual Assault for Adults
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted as an adult in New Jersey, call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Otherwise, you can report the assault to your local law enforcement agency or to the state’s 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 1-800-601-7200.
Support Centers and Resources in New Jersey for Survivors
NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, or NJCASA, provides survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones with free, confidential support services and other resources for healing. To speak with a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate, survivors can call New Jersey’s 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-800-601-7200.
New Jersey’s Support Services For Each County
Through the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault’s website, survivors can find support services in their area by choosing their county. The site provides each service’s website, phone number, and location.
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, or RAINN, offers 24/7 crisis support, prevention education, and advocacy to help survivors, stop harm, and enable justice. You can reach RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline by calling 800-656-HOPE, texting HOPE to 64673, or using the online chat tool.
Speak with a New Jersey Sexual Abuse Attorney
No matter the timeline of the assault, it’s never too late for survivors to reach out for help. At Helping Survivors, we work to connect survivors of sexual violence with trusted attorneys who can guide them on their legal rights and options in New Jersey.
Our legal partners work with survivors to file civil lawsuits against the individuals, institutions, and organizations that perpetrated and enabled the abuse they endured to recover compensation.
To learn more about your legal rights and options after experiencing sexual violence in New Jersey, contact Helping Survivors today.