The North Carolina Supreme Court has upheld the 2019 SAFE Child Act, reaffirming the law’s provision that extended the window for survivors of child sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits, even if their claims were previously time-barred. This ruling is linked to a case where three former students sued the Gaston County Board of Education over alleged abuse by a former coach. By confirming the legislature’s authority to adjust statutes of limitations, the court has strengthened survivors’ ability to hold both individuals and institutions accountable.
Also early this month, Maryland Supreme Court upheld the Child Victims Act of 2023, ensuring survivors of childhood sexual abuse can seek justice. In its decision, the court affirmed the legislature’s authority to remove time limits that once protected abusers and institutions. This ruling reinforces the rights of survivors to hold those responsible accountable and marks a crucial victory in the fight for justice.
This month also saw the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) reach a $5 million settlement with attorneys general in New York, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., following investigations into widespread misconduct and abuse spanning over a decade. Authorities found that the league failed to protect players from sexual misconduct, emotional abuse, and harassment. The settlement establishes a compensation fund for affected players, but individuals may still pursue private legal claims. Additionally, the NWSL must report misconduct allegations biannually for three years, conduct anonymous player surveys, and faces a $2 million penalty for noncompliance.