Statutory Limitation / Time Limits
Rules about how long someone has to bring a civil claim — which can create pressure or confusion for survivors who disclose abuse later in life, even though delayed disclosure is a normal trauma response.
This information is not legal advice – it is meant to signpost information only. Please seek a professional opinion before taking action.
Legal definition
Civil claims (e.g., personal injury, harassment) often have limitation periods, commonly three years. However, in abuse cases the court has the power to disapply the time limit if it is fair to do so, recognising the realities of trauma and delayed reporting. There is no time limit for reporting criminal offences such as rape or trafficking.
What it looks like in real life
Survivors feeling shame for “not coming forward earlier.”
Lawyers explaining that a civil claim may still proceed even decades after the abuse.
Institutions using delay as a reputational defence rather than engaging with the substance of allegations.
Survivors coming forward only once they feel safe, supported, or after others speak publicly.
