Helping Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse in New Mexico
Childhood sexual abuse is much too common in New Mexico. The scandal involving abuse by Catholic priests in the early 1990s was well-publicized but, unfortunately, New Mexico children continue to be abused every day.
Many children live in small towns where life is centered around the church. When they are violated by their local priest, minister, or elder, they may have nowhere to turn for help.
Hartley Hampton, P.C. is here to help. We are dedicated to helping abuse victims obtain justice through the civil justice system.
Generally, victims of childhood sexual abuse in New Mexico have until their 24th birthday to file suit. However, the New Mexico Legislature wisely has recognized that childhood sexual abuse has a long latency period; serious psychological injury can develop many years after the actual incidents of abuse. Thus, the legislature has passed a "discovery rule".
The New Mexico "discovery rule" allows abuse victims to file suit up to three years after the victim knew or should have known that childhood sexual abuse caused an injury. However, the "discovery" date must be established by medical testimony.
