Today, the government has taken an important step forward for survivors of child sexual abuse. After years of campaigning and evidence-building, the Ministry of Justice has announced crucial legal reforms that will make it easier for survivors to access justice.
For the first time, the law recognises what survivors have always known – there is no time limit on trauma, and there should be no time limit on justice. The government is scrapping the arbitrary three-year limitation period for civil claims and shifting the burden of proof, making it harder for institutions to block survivors’ cases from progressing. They are also clarifying the law on apologies, so that organisations can acknowledge past failings without fear of legal consequences.
These might sound like technical legal changes, but their impact will be profound. Here’s why this matters so much.
Why This is a Game-Changer for Survivors
We know from our work at NAPAC that the journey to speaking out is often a long one. Survivors take on average more than 20 years to disclose abuse, and many never do. The legal system has long failed to reflect this reality. Too often, those who find the courage to come forward are met not with justice, but with legal roadblocks – often told that they are ‘too late’ to hold those responsible to account.
The removal of the limitation period is a huge step towards fairness. It recognises that trauma does not operate on a legal timetable. It removes the additional burden on survivors to prove that their case is still ‘viable’ decades later, instead placing that responsibility on the defendant to demonstrate why a fair trial is no longer possible. This shift acknowledges the deep and lasting impact of childhood abuse and makes the justice system more accessible for those who need it.
The Power of a Genuine Apology
The second change – the clarification around apologies – also matters a great deal. Many survivors tell us that an apology can be an important part of their healing journey, but only when it is freely given, meaningful and supported by action.
Institutions have often been reluctant to apologise for past failures, fearing that an apology could be used as an admission of legal liability. By providing greater legal clarity, this reform removes a barrier to accountability and enables organisations to take responsibility in a way that is survivor-centred and constructive.
It is vital though that an apology is never seen as a replacement for justice. Survivors should never feel pressured to accept words in place of meaningful action. What matters most is that organisations engage openly, listen to survivors, and take concrete steps to ensure that past failures are not repeated.
A Win for Survivors – and for Advocacy
These reforms are a testament to the resilience of survivors, who have spoken out again and again about the barriers they face in seeking justice. But they are also an important moment for NAPAC’s advocacy. Last year, we engaged fully in the Ministry of Justice’s consultations on both limitation and apologies, drawing on our evidence base, survivor testimonies and legal expertise. The key changes announced today directly reflect what we called for. This is a moment to recognise the power of survivor-informed advocacy – and to keep pushing for further progress.
At NAPAC, we believe every survivor deserves the right to be heard, supported and able to seek justice on their own terms. These reforms bring us a step closer to that reality.
Read the full statement from the Ministry of Justice here.