The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 (the “Act”) significantly expands legal options for survivors of childhood sexual abuse by removing the time limits that previously prevented many victims from pursuing civil claims. Under the Act, survivors of child sexual abuse in Maryland may now file lawsuits against their abusers or institutions that enabled the abuse—regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
For decades, statutes of limitations barred many survivors from seeking accountability in court. The new law eliminates those restrictions and allows survivors whose claims were previously time-barred to bring civil actions against perpetrators and organizations that knowingly permitted abuse.
In February 2025, Maryland’s highest court upheld the constitutionality of the law, confirming that the Maryland General Assembly had the authority to retroactively remove the statute of limitations for these claims. The court ruled that a statute of limitations does not create a permanent right for defendants to avoid liability, and therefore, the legislature could revive previously barred claims. The legislation was passed shortly after the Maryland Attorney General released a sweeping investigative report detailing decades of sexual abuse within the Archdiocese of Baltimore. The nearly 500-page report documented abuse by more than 150 clergy members involving over 600 children and described systemic institutional failures that allowed the abuse to continue for generations. By removing time limitations, the Maryland Child Victims Act recognizes the unique trauma experienced by survivors of childhood sexual abuse and acknowledges that many victims need years—or decades—before they can come forward. Survivors who experienced sexual abuse as children in Maryland may now pursue civil claims to seek accountability and compensation from individuals and institutions responsible for the abuse.
Sauder Schelkopf continues to investigate claims on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse and is committed to helping victims understand their rights under the Maryland Child Victims Act.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Sauder Schelkopf. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the application of law depends on individual circumstances. You should not act or rely on any information in this post without seeking professional legal counsel. If you need legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.