• 12-Year Statute of Limitations For All Childhood Sexual Abuse Claims:  Any cause of action brought by a victim of childhood sexual abuse claims must be brought within 12 years of the date of accrual. Accrual begins on the 18th birthday of the victim. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.111(C) (2009).


• Majority Tolling: Age 18 for children, Age 21 for mentally, physically, or developmentally impaired children. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.111(A)(defining majority).


• Discovery Rule:   In any action on or after the effective date of the statute (8/3/06) where the defendant has fraudulently concealed facts of the abuse claim, the statute of limitations will begin at the “time when the plaintiff discovers or in the exercise of due diligence should have discovered those facts.” Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2305.111(C) (2009).


• Retroactivity To Effective Date of 8/3/06:   The new statute of limitations applies to all civil actions for claims resulting from childhood sexual abuse that occurred prior to the effective date of the act, and where a civil action for assault and battery has never been filed and the previous statute of limitations had not expired before the effective date of the statute. Act effective Aug. 3, 2006, c. 97, sec. 3, § 2305.111, 2907.01, 2006 Ohio Legis. Serv. Ann. (West).

• 20-Year Statute of Limitations for Criminal Prosecution of Child Sexual Abuse :   Criminal prosecutions of child sexual abusers must be commenced within 20 years of the occurrence. The statute of limitations will be tolled until the victim turns 18 or when responsible adult (not including family members) who has a legal duty to report abuse is aware of such abuse. Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§ 2901.13(I)(1), 2151.421 (2009); State v. Elsass, 105 Ohio App.3d 277, 663 N.E.2d 1019 (Ohio Ct. App. 1995); State v. Turner, 91 Ohio App.3d 153, 631 N.E.2d 1117 (Ohio Ct. App. 1993).

April 14 (D.C.) The 10th annual Race to Stop the Silence (Stop Child Sexual Abuse) 8K Race and Walk (and kids’ fun run) is coming right up on April 14, 2013 in D.C. Don’t miss this fun, educational and important event. Go to www.stopcsa.org or www.dcrace.org/ for Race information and registration, and to see other ways to make a difference!

April 27 (Ohio) 9:30 PM: