This is a victory years in the making.
Tennessee has officially passed a new law that expands access to justice for adult survivors of child sexual abuse. This law doesn’t just change legal timelines—it opens long-locked doors for accountability and healing.
As legal advocates, we know the deep courage it takes to come forward. We also know that most survivors do not speak out until decades after their abuse. Laws that close the courthouse doors too soon? They only protect predators. But Tennessee just double the time for survivors to make these brave steps.
Notable-not one legislator in the House or Senate voted against this reform.
What Changed in Tennessee’s Law?
Tennessee just passed a law that extends the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution of certain child sexual abuse felonies from 25 years from the child’s 18th birthday to 30 years from the child’s 18th birthday; extends the statute of limitations for a civil action based on child sexual abuse from 15 years from the child’s 18th birthday to 30 years from the child’s 18th birthday.
The new law, passed in April 2025, goes into effect after July 1, 2025.
This is a major step toward justice—but it still leaves countless survivors behind. Those abused before the new law’s effective date will not benefit from this expanded window unless future legislation creates a “lookback window” like other states have done.
Why Civil Lawsuits Matter for Survivors
Civil lawsuits are not about revenge. They’re about truth, transparency, and transformation.
While the criminal justice system is important, it often falls short—especially when it comes to sexual abuse cases. Criminal cases face higher burdens of proof and limited timelines. But civil lawsuits allow survivors to:
- Name and confront their abuser
- Expose institutional cover-ups
- Force reform in churches, schools, camps, and other organizations
- Seek financial damages that can support long-term healing
At Andreozzi + Foote, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful civil litigation can be. Our firm represents survivors across the country in holding institutions accountable—from elite boarding schools and youth sports leagues to religious organizations and public schools.
Civil Justice Creates Systemic Change
Civil lawsuits are one of the few tools that force institutions to answer for their negligence. When survivors take legal action, they don’t just reclaim their power—they protect future children from harm.
Andreozzi + Foote have been at the forefront of ensuring accountability for institutions who have failed to act and contributed to the sexual abuse of children. Handling such high profile cases like:
- Pennsylvania State University Jerry Sandusky
- Catholic Churches Across the Country
- Boy Scouts of America
What’s Next for Tennessee?
This new law is a crucial start—but it’s not enough. We must continue to fight for:
- A lookback window to allow all survivors—regardless of when their abuse occurred—a chance to file suit.
- Mandatory prevention policies in schools, camps, and faith institutions.
- Full transparency and survivor-centered approaches across the board.
Because the truth is: justice delayed is not always justice denied. But justice denied by outdated laws is unacceptable.
If you are a survivor of child sexual abuse in Tennessee or anywhere in the United States—know this: You are not alone. You are believed. And you have legal rights.
Reach out to Andreozzi + Foote today for a free, confidential consultation. We will fight for your justice and your voice every step of the way.
🔗 www.victimscivilattorneys.com
Together, we can break the silence, challenge the system, and change the future.
