Roach Signs Bill Removing Time Limits for Civil Lawsuits on Childhood Sexual Abuse

Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, serving as acting governor, signed into law this week a bill eliminating the statute of limitations for victims of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. The bill, which passed the Senate in regular session on Nov. 20, is meant to be a step forward in providing survivors with broader access to justice, according to senators.

The newly signed law amends Title 5, Chapter 3, Sections 31 and 36 of the Virgin Islands Code. Previously, victims of childhood sexual or physical abuse had a limited window—two years after discovering the abuse—to bring civil claims. Under the new law, survivors can now file civil lawsuits at any time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred or when it was discovered. The change also applies retroactively, allowing previously barred cases to proceed.

Speaking to The Source Tuesday night, Roach explained, “The bill only addresses civil actions. It basically provides that there is no limitation and that those suits can be brought at any time. Similarly, there is no statute of limitations with regard to the criminal law and such offenses.”