New York's Adult Survivors Act faces expiration: Lawmakers push for extension with thousands of lawsuits filed
For one year, New York has given the voice back to adults who say they were a victim of sexual violence at any time in their lives.
Some dating back decades ago, the Adult Survivors Act has allowed them to file lawsuits, and it's set to expire this week.
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It's brought in thousands of lawsuits against employers, hospitals, jails, and even a New York State Senator alleging sexual violence.
"The cases range anywhere from improper cavity searches," said Levy Konigsberg, LLP Attorney Anna Kull. "To rape, and sometimes the women were impregnated by the correctional officers."
Anna Kull along with her firm represents more than 600 survivors of sexual assault, many of whom are formally incarcerated.
"In order to compensate these women justly," said Kull. "I think the state needs to come forward with some solutions and clearly a plan for the future to prevent this from happening in the first place."
According to the Associated Press, more than 2,500 lawsuits have been filed so far.
CBS 6 obtained electronic filings from the New York State Unified Court System showing there have been 17 filings in the Albany County Supreme Court, 6 filed in the Rensselaer County Supreme Court, 2 filed in the Saratoga County Supreme Court, and 5 filed in the Schenectady Supreme Court.
New York State Senator Kevin Parker of Brooklyn also faces a lawsuit alleging Parker raped a woman in 2004.
Governor Kathy Hochul was asked about this very claim today.
"It's extremely disturbing and as the information unfolds I may have a strong opinion on that," said Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) New York. "But right now I want to see what else is out there lets let this unfold a little bit."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for New York State Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins says:
"These allegations are extremely disturbing and we take them very seriously and we will continue to monitor this situation and we will take appropriate action as more information is learned."
New York State Senator (D-Manhattan) Brad Hoylman-Sigal sponsored the Senate version of the Adult Survivors Act.
"I think this is a watershed moment for justice for these survivors and I think we the public owe them a debt of gratitude, because not only are they able to get their day in court but they are also identifying potential predator,"Hoylman-Sigal said.
It gained an overwhelming amount of support from all sides in the senate and assembly, but there were still many questions when brought to the floor on the longevity of allegations, and anyone wrongfully accused.
"We also have to remember that there are people that it's taken them this long to get through the situation they went to where they feel comfortable about talking about it," said NY Assembly member (R) Schoharie Chris Tague. "And trying to receive closure on something like this."
While Tague voted in support of the bill years ago, he says he also supports an extension.
That conversation is happening right now.
"The idea that we would extend this whether in a multi-year fashion or permanently is something I'll certainly be speaking with my senate colleagues and leadership about," Hoylman-Sigal said. "Once we get a sense of the full impact of the adult survivors act."
