Recent amendment to Arkansas law extends period for child sexual abuse victims to sue; Victim calls it a sign of hope
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Victims of child sexual abuse in Arkansas now have more time to come forward and seek justice through civil lawsuits under a newly-amended state law.
State legislators first passed the Justice for Vulnerable Victims Act in 2021, then passed an amendment to it in 2023.
Bill in Arkansas gives child sexual abuse victims more time to file civil lawsuits
The law extends the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse victims to file civil suits. The original policy passed in 2021 gave victims until the age of 55 to file the lawsuits, though lawmakers revised that in the last legislative session, hoping to give everyone a chance to come forward over the next two years. The amendment passed last session provides a two-year retroactive period for victims of any age to take civil action.
The recently amended law also revives lawsuits like William Stevens’ that was filed in 2017. Stevens spoke out that year for the first time publicly about the abuse he endured as a Boy Scout when he was 10 years old.
Former patients, including children, sue Benton rehabilitation facility claiming sexual assault
He recalled the day he was asked about the abuse by one of the leaders and was sworn to secrecy for decades after.
“He made me raise my three fingers and say the Scout Oath that I would stay quiet,” Stevens said.
He first filed that lawsuit against the organization seeking compensation, though it was dismissed in 2018.
“Because the statute of limitations had expired in my situation, it didn’t matter,” Stevens told KARK 4 News. “That was pretty hard. During this process, I have heard the voice of that 10-year-old little boy ask when we ever mattered.”
Stevens also felt pressured to remain silent for the sake of his service in the military and career goals. He said exposing his history of trauma and abuse would have hindered him from being considered for the specific role.
“In my situation, I was in the military and going for a top-secret military clearance,” he said. “That would’ve been a career-ender for me to disclose that. It would’ve been deemed as inappropriate, and I would not have been given a security clearance to do my job.”
It wasn’t too long after Stevens’ first attempt at the lawsuit was dismissed that Sen. David Wallace (R-Leachville) and Rep. Jimmy Gazaway (R- Paragould) stepped in, looking to change Arkansas law for victims like Stevens who had been abused decades prior.
“All the praise should go to Sen. David Wallace, Rep. Jimmy Gazaway and their colleagues who cosponsored these bills,” attorney Josh Gillispie said. “What they’ve done for victims in Arkansas is remarkable.”
Now, because of the law and its amendments, Stevens is seeking, again, civil justice through his lawsuit. Gillispie is representing him and a handful of other victims doing the same.
Recent lawsuits filed against Arkansas Board of Corrections member Alonza Jiles are also possible because of this law. Jiles is accused in the civil suit of covering up sexual abuse during his time as the director at the Lord’s Ranch.
In 2022, victims filed civil lawsuits against Barry Walker because of the law as well. Walker has been convicted of sexually abusing more than 30 children in Arkansas.
Stevens said the purpose of speaking out in public interviews is to show other victims that shedding light on the darkness of abuse brings healing.
“I’ve been able to be the person that that 10-year-old version of me needed, and everybody needs to know that if you went through this, you matter,” Stevens said. “No matter what. No matter your age.”
Gillispie also hopes the law serves as a deterrent for future sexual abuse cases in Arkansas, making parents more aware of how common this is and showing institutions that there are now harsher policies in place to ensure they do not cover up abuse.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
