Government Announces That Time Limit for Child Sexual Abuse Claims Will Be Removed

The government has announced major legal changes to support survivors of child sexual abuse, removing the three-year time limit for filing civil claims and making it easier for victims to receive apologies. The reforms, based on recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), aim to make justice more accessible for survivors.

What changes will be made?

Under current laws, victims must bring civil claims within three years of turning 18 unless they can prove a fair trial is still possible regardless of the time lapse. However, the IICSA found that many survivors take decades to come forward due to the trauma of abuse. With the new changes, the burden of proof will shift to defendants, who must now demonstrate that a fair trial cannot proceed if they want to block a claim.

Another key change involves the Law of Apologies, which will now encourage institutions to issue apologies without fear of legal consequences. Many schools, hospitals, and care facilities have previously hesitated to apologise due to concerns over liability. The government clarified that institutions should acknowledge wrongdoing, providing survivors with the validation they often seek.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the reforms “long overdue” and emphasized that they would help survivors pursue justice. Justice Minister Sarah Sackman added, “The courts must work for the public they serve – and we recognise that victims and survivors need time to process their trauma. By changing the law, it will now be possible for victims to come forward, and seek justice, when they feel ready to do so.”

Kim Harrison, president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, supported the changes, calling the previous three-year limit “wholly inappropriate.” Gabrielle Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), described the reforms as “a watershed moment for survivors.” She stressed that a sincere apology, alongside meaningful action, is essential for accountability and healing.

The changes are part of a broader set of measures responding to the IICSA’s recommendations. The government has already committed to introducing a mandatory reporting duty for professionals working with children, making it a criminal offense to fail to report abuse. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper also promised to strengthen sentencing laws by making grooming an aggravating factor in child sexual abuse cases.

The timing of these reforms follows increased public scrutiny over the government’s response to child sexual abuse, particularly after criticism from figures like Elon Musk. In response, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned “misinformation” and later announced a nationwide review of grooming gang evidence. The Home Office has since pledged to outline a detailed implementation plan for the IICSA’s recommendations by Easter.

While many have welcomed the changes, child protection advocates stress the need for further action. The NSPCC highlighted the importance of ensuring specialist therapeutic support for victims. Experts argue that while legal reforms are a step forward, long-term support services must also be strengthened to help survivors rebuild their lives.

The reforms will be introduced as part of new legislation expected to be brought before Parliament later this year. If passed, these changes will represent one of the most significant shifts in how the legal system handles child sexual abuse cases, prioritizing survivors and holding institutions accountable.

Ministry of Justice, Sackman, S, and Mahmood, S.(2025) New reforms to support victims of child sexual abuse. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-reforms-to-support-victims-of-child-sexual-abuse (Accessed: 5 February 2025).