California Legislative amendments (Lookback Window) allow sexual assault victims to seek justice for cases previously barred by time, when filed by temporary new deadlines.
If you or someone you know is trying to move forward after a sexual assault that occurred in past — too long ago to seek justice according to California law — recent changes might finally offer a path.
New laws that offer a temporary pause to the standard time limits (Statute of Limitations) on sexual assault cases have opened “Lookback Windows” (extensions to the amount of time you have after an assault to file a case.) By overriding the time restrictions, victims who were sexually assaulted more than 10 years ago may now seek justice against their perpetrators.
These new laws also allow adult survivors to file civil lawsuits for damages against responsible entities who were not held accountable in the past, including institutional cover-ups.
Because these legal “windows” have strict deadlines extending through 2026 and 2027, taking timely action is incredibly important. If you were sexually assaulted, while residing in, or visiting, the State of California, regardless of the timeframe, please contact me at (415) 576-1600 to discuss your options.
If you are interested in better understanding the law, please see the information below. However. The legal system can feel overwhelming. Understanding your eligibility and the procedural exemptions can be confusing. Contacting our office for guidance is the best first step toward getting the justice you deserve.
(e)(1) Notwithstanding any other law, any claim seeking to recover damages suffered as a result of a sexual assault that occurred on or after the plaintiff’s 18th birthday that would otherwise be barred before January 1, 2026, solely because the applicable statute of limitations has or had expired, is hereby revived, and a cause of action may proceed if already pending in court on January 1, 2026, or, if not filed by that date, may be commenced between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2027.
Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 340.16 (West)
Cover-Up Accountability Act (AB 2777)
Additionally, if a private corporation, school, religious organization, hospital, church or non-profit was engaged in a “concerted effort” to hide sexual assault behavior, cases that have already been tried may be reopened. These activities may include:
- Nondisclosure Agreements (NDAs): Forcing victims or witnesses into confidentiality clauses to prevent the public discovery of an assault.
- Document Destruction: Actively destroying, altering, or withholding internal records, personnel files, or incident reports.
- Retaliation & Threats: Threatening whistleblowers or victims with retaliatory legal action, termination, or financial penalties.
- Personnel Shifting: Quietly transferring a known perpetrator to a different department, branch, or location to protect institutional reputation rather than addressing the misconduct.
- Agent Knowledge: Proving that one or more officers, directors, managing agents, or employees of the entity actively participated in or ratified the cover-up.
*Deadline Reference Guide: “Lookback Window” for Sexual Assault
| Legislative Provision | Eligible Defendant Types | Date of Occurrence Required | Filing Window Deadline | |
| AB 2777 (General Sexual Assault) | Individual Perpetrators only, OR Institutions only, OR Both | On or after January 1, 2009 | December 31, 2026 | |
| AB 250 (Institutional Cover-Up) | Both the Individual Perpetrator AND the Private Entity | No date restriction (Any year/decade) | December 31, 2027 | |
There are many more situations that are covered by this “Lookback Window, and some exclusions do apply, so please contact our office to discuss your case so we can assist you in determining your eligibility and the best path forward.
Please contact us by phone at (415) 576-1600 or through our contact form.
California Sexual Assault Lookback Window FAQs
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A Statute of Limitations is the a time limit set on how long you have to file a case against an individual or entity.
What is a Lookback window?
A Lookback Window is an exception to normal Statutes of Limitations that allow older cases to be filed.
I was sexually assaulted as a child. Should I contact you for assistance?
Yes! There are several options for victims abused as a child that we can review based on the details of your situation.
Does this new law apply to abusers who were individuals as well as institutions or organizations that hid facts during a prior case?
Yes. The California Sexual Assault Lookback Window applies to abusers who were individuals as well as institutions and organizations that hid facts or otherwise hindered investigations and justice.