In response to the #MeToo movement, former California Governor Jerry Brown signed many bills into law protecting victims of sexual assault, including Assembly Bill 1619 (AB 1619). AB 1619 increases the statute of limitations for claims of sexual assault from two (2) years to 10 years from the date of the last act of violence, or within three (3) years from the date the victim knew or should have known that an injury or illness resulted from an act of sexual assault.
Expanding the timeframe for victims to pursue legal action is significant. For many victims influenced by the #MeToo movement to share their stories, too much time had passed for them to file a civil lawsuit.
According to the Association of California Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners, recovery from sexual assault can take many years due to the emotional trauma that leaves many victims without the strength to pursue civil remedies (A24).
Those who have been victims of sexual harassment at work should contact an employment lawyer to seek justice and pursue compensation for their damages, including but not limited to emotional damages, health care costs, lost wages, and legal fees.
Sources:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB1619