108 Iowa L. Rev. 957 (2023)

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Abstract

The Iowa legislature eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for minor sexual abuse claims in 2021. However, the Iowa legislature did not extend or eliminate the civil statute of limitations for minor sexual abuse claims, leaving the statute of limitations at one year after the victim reaches eighteen. This short statute of limitations severely restricts victims from bringing claims. It also limits society’s ability to identify perpetrators and protect potential future victims. This Note advocates for the elimination of the civil statute of limitations for minor sexual abuse claims in Iowa to afford adequate relief for victims throughout their adulthood. In the event that an elimination of the statute of limitations is too expansive, this Note also presents two proposals to extend the civil statute of limitations to either thirty-five or five years after the victim turns eighteen.