Breaking the Silence: How Maryland’s Child Victims Act Transforms Justice for Survivors

In the quiet corridors of Maryland’s legislative halls, a powerful story of resilience and hope has been unfolding—a story that speaks directly to the heart of justice for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The Child Victims Act, a groundbreaking piece of legislation passed in 2023, represents more than just legal reform. It’s a testament to the courage of survivors who have long been silenced, fighting to reclaim their voices and hold perpetrators accountable.

A Window of Hope Opens

Imagine carrying a burden of trauma for decades, watching your abuser walk free simply because time had seemingly erased your legal recourse. This was the harsh reality for countless survivors—until now. The Child Victims Act fundamentally transforms the landscape of justice by completely eliminating statutory limitations for sexual abuse claims involving minors.

This isn’t just a legal technicality. It’s a lifeline for survivors who may have been too young, too scared, or too traumatized to speak out when the abuse occurred. The law recognizes a fundamental truth: healing doesn’t follow a predetermined timeline, and neither should justice.

The Human Story Behind the Legislation

The driving force behind this transformative legislation is C.T. Wilson, a Maryland legislator who is himself a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Wilson’s personal journey from victim to advocate embodies the spirit of the law. His goal was never about financial compensation, but about providing a path to healing and accountability.

“This isn’t about money,” Wilson has repeatedly emphasized. “This is about giving survivors a chance to be heard, to confront their abusers, and to find some measure of peace.”

Legal Battles and Landmark Decisions

The road to implementing the Child Victims Act wasn’t smooth. Powerful institutions—including the Archdiocese of Washington and several educational organizations—mounted significant legal challenges. They argued for existing protections and immunity statutes, hoping to shield themselves from potential liability.

But in a landmark decision in 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court stood firmly with survivors. The court’s ruling was unequivocal: the new law supersedes previous limitations, sending a clear message that institutional protection cannot come at the cost of individual justice.

The Financial and Emotional Landscape

The potential financial implications are staggering. Approximately 3,500 claims have been filed, with potential compensation reaching up to $3 billion. The state could face payouts of nearly $890,000 per case. But financial figures tell only part of the story.

Behind each claim is a deeply personal narrative of survival. Some claims reach back to the 1960s, representing decades of suppressed pain and unresolved trauma. The law acknowledges that healing isn’t linear and that justice has no expiration date.

Political Support and Societal Shift

Political leaders have rallied behind the legislation. Governor Wes Moore praised the act for “giving survivors a voice,” while Senate President Bill Ferguson acknowledged the complex balance between financial considerations and human suffering.

This isn’t just a legal change—it’s a societal transformation. The Child Victims Act signals a profound shift in how we understand and address childhood sexual abuse. It says, unequivocally, that survivors will be heard, believed, and supported.

A Message of Hope and Healing

For survivors, this law represents more than legal recourse. It’s validation. It’s an acknowledgment that their pain is real, their experiences matter, and they deserve a path to healing.

The journey is far from over. Each lawsuit, each confrontation, is a step towards collective healing. The Child Victims Act doesn’t erase the trauma, but it offers something equally powerful: the opportunity to reclaim control, to speak truth to power, and to move forward.

As Maryland leads the way, other states are watching. This legislation could become a blueprint for a more compassionate, survivor-centered approach to justice.

In the end, the Child Victims Act is more than a law. It’s a beacon of hope, a promise that no matter how long it takes, justice will find its way.

The Maryland Supreme Court Should Find The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023 Constitutional