On May 20, 2025, the Michigan Senate passed the “Justice for Survivors” legislative package. This was a significant step toward reforming the state’s approach to sexual abuse cases. This package, comprising Senate Bills 257 through 261, aims to extend the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits related to sexual assault. It also seeks to remove immunity protections for institutions that conceal such abuse.
Why the Law is Critical for Survivors
The passage of this law is a recognition of what survivors and advocates have been saying for years: the trauma of sexual abuse does not operate on a timeline. For many survivors, coming to terms with what happened and finding the courage to speak out can take decades. Research shows the average age of disclosure for childhood sexual abuse survivors is 52 years old.
Delayed disclosure happens for many reasons:
- Fear and Shame: Survivors, especially children, may feel afraid of retaliation or believe they won’t be believed.
- Trauma Repression: The brain often blocks memories as a coping mechanism for severe trauma.
- Institutional Cover-Ups: In cases involving schools, churches, and youth organizations, survivors may face systemic efforts to silence them.
The old, restrictive statutes of limitations meant that survivors who were not ready to come forward within a narrow window were denied justice forever. Michigan’s new law changes that. It opens the door for survivors to step forward. Now they can hold perpetrators and enabling institutions accountable and begin the process of healing.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The “Justice for Survivors” package introduces several critical changes:
- Extended Timeframes: Survivors now have a 10-year window after the assault, until age 42, or seven years after discovering the abuse to file civil lawsuits.
- Retroactive Window: A one-year period is granted for survivors of past abuse to initiate legal action, regardless of when the abuse occurred.
- Institutional Accountability: The legislation removes immunity for educational institutions that knowingly conceal abuse, ensuring they can be held liable.
- Damages Cap: Survivors can seek up to $1.5 million per occurrence in damages. This shifts the financial burden from victims to perpetrators and complicit institutions.
High-Profile Cases Like Larry Nassar Prove the Need for Change
The devastating case of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor, revealed how predators can exploit trust. It showed how institutions can fail survivors. Nassar abused hundreds of young athletes under the guise of medical treatment, while institutions ignored warning signs for years.
Many of Nassar’s survivors were only able to come forward as adults, after decades of carrying the trauma alone. Their stories — and their courage — forced Michigan to confront the injustice of short statutes of limitations. This new law ensures future survivors have the time and opportunity to seek justice.
How the Michigan SOL Window Helps Survivors
For survivors who thought they missed their chance to file a claim, the one-year revival window provides a crucial opportunity to pursue accountability. This provision reflects the reality of delayed disclosure. It empowers survivors to take legal action against abusers and institutions that enabled the abuse.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse, now is the time to speak with a sexual abuse attorney to understand your rights under Michigan’s new law.
Accountability for Educational Institutions
One of the most powerful aspects of the “Justice for Survivors” package is holding educational institutions accountable. Schools, colleges, and universities can no longer hide behind immunity if they failed to act on knowledge of sexual misconduct. This law ensures that institutions are held to the highest standard of care, protecting students and preventing future abuse.
How a Michigan Sexual Abuse Attorney Can Help
At Andreozzi + Foote, we have seen how transformative these laws can be for survivors. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys have represented clients in landmark cases nationwide, securing justice and holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.
Michigan’s new law empowers you to take action if you experienced sexual abuse as a child or adult — even if the abuse occurred decades ago. The revival window is time-sensitive, so it’s important to speak with a sexual abuse attorney as soon as possible.
What Survivors Can Do Now
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse within the entertainment industry or any workplace, you have rights. Survivors should:
- Document Their Experience: Keep records of any correspondence, contracts, or events related to the abuse.
- Speak to a Trusted Attorney: A skilled sexual abuse attorney can help evaluate your case. They can explain your options and guide you through the legal process.
- Know Their Time Limits: While some states are expanding statutes of limitations for sexual abuse cases, survivors should act quickly. This helps protect their claims.
Next Steps and Advocacy for Michigan SOL
While the Senate’s approval marks progress, the bills now await consideration in the Michigan House of Representatives. House Speaker Matt Hall has not committed to bringing the package to a vote, making advocacy crucial at this juncture.
Survivors and supporters can take the following actions:
- Contact Legislators: Reach out to state representatives to express support for the bills and urge their passage.
- Public Awareness: Share information about the legislation on social media and community forums to raise awareness.
- Join Advocacy Groups: Engage with organizations working on survivors’ rights to participate in coordinated advocacy efforts.
Continued advocacy is essential to ensure these reforms become law and provide survivors with the support they deserve.
Contact Andreozzi + Foote
To learn more about your rights under Michigan’s new law and how we can help you pursue justice, contact us today at Andreozzi + Foote by calling 866-825-0684 or filling out our online contact form.
Your voice matters, and your story deserves to be heard.
