In Vermont, there is no statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of sexual assault, including aggravated sexual assault of children or adults, and such charges can be brought at any time. For civil cases of childhood sexual abuse, Vermont has also eliminated any deadline, meaning survivors can file suit regardless of when the abuse occurred.
| Case Type | Offense | Statute of Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Civil – child sexual abuse | Any age at discovery | No deadline (retroactive since 2019) |
| Civil – adult sexual abuse | Assault/battery | 3 years |
| Criminal – sexual assault | Adult or child | No limit |
| Criminal – lewd conduct with a child | Under 18 | 40 years |
| Criminal – others | Varies by offense | 6, 11, or 3 years depending on severity |
An experienced lawyer can guide survivors through the legal process, gather evidence, and fight for meaningful compensation that reflects the long-term impact of the abuse. If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and have a potential claim, call (800) 509-9747 or get help online from our legal team.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Civil Statute of Limitations
- Childhood sexual abuse: Under 12 V.S.A. § 522, Vermont eliminated the civil statute of limitations in June 2019. Survivors may file at any time, and the law applies retroactively (even for claims previously time-barred) though suits against institutions require proof of gross negligence.
- Adult sexual abuse: Civil claims for sexual assault or assault and battery by adults fall under the standard personal injury time limit, currently 3 years under 12 V.S.A. § 512
Notable Changes:
- 2019: Adoption of H.330 abolished civil time limits for childhood sexual abuse.
- Past: The prior six-year limit (1990–2019) was retroactive only for abuse and injury discovery post-July 1, 1984.
Criminal Statute of Limitations
Under 13 V.S.A. § 4501, Vermont sets differing deadlines based on offense severity:
- No time limit (can prosecute anytime): Murder; kidnapping; sexual assault (including aggravated or involving minors); human trafficking; manslaughter; arson causing death.
- No limit also applies to aggravated sexual assault of a child and sexual exploitation of a minor.
- 40‑year limit: Lewd/lascivious conduct with a child under 18; sexual abuse of a vulnerable adult.
- 6‑year limit: Lewd conduct, sexual abuse of vulnerable adults (subset), grand larceny, robbery, burglary, embezzlement, forgery, bribery, false claims, fraud, felony tax offenses.
- 11‑year limit: Arson (general), first‑degree aggravated domestic assault.
- 3‑year limit: All other felonies and misdemeanors.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Additional Legal Considerations
Retroactivity & Constitutional Challenges
The 2019 abolition of civil time limits for childhood sexual abuse applies retroactively, allowing previously barred claims to be revived. Vermont courts have upheld its retroactive application, rejecting due‑process challenges by defendants that the change unfairly revived expired claims.
Tolling & Discovery Rule
The original 1990 statute included a “discovery” clause: victims had six years from either the act or when they discovered injury. Now that the deadline is eliminated, this is moot—but it reflects Vermont’s recognition of delayed victim reporting.
Institutional Liability
To sue organizations (e.g., schools, churches) for childhood abuse previously time-barred, plaintiffs must show gross negligence. For personal abusers, no such requirement exists.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Notable Vermont Sex Abuse Settlements (within the last 10 years)
Over the past decade, Vermont has seen several notable financial settlements involving survivors of institutional sexual abuse. The most significant have stemmed from cases involving the Catholic Diocese of Burlington and Kurn Hattin Homes for Children.
Catholic Diocese of Burlington Settlements
The Diocese of Burlington has been at the center of Vermont’s largest clergy sex abuse payouts. Although a major $20 million global settlement was reached in 2010 and an additional $6.75 million in 2013, settlements continued well into the last decade. By 2024, the Diocese had settled at least 67 lawsuits involving clergy abuse, with total payouts estimated between $34 and $40 million. To fund these settlements, the Diocese sold off properties (including its headquarters and other assetS) and utilized insurance and reserve funds. Most of these cases were resolved privately, outside of court.
Kurn Hattin Homes Settlement
Following widespread abuse allegations and a state investigation in 2020, Kurn Hattin Homes conducted its own independent review. By mid-2023, the school had reached confidential financial settlements with over 90% of the survivors who came forward. While the exact settlement amounts remain undisclosed, the school acknowledged a history of abuse spanning several decades and emphasized the importance of listening to and compensating victims. The process functioned similarly to an institutional compensation program, allowing survivors to resolve claims without lengthy litigation.
Boy Scouts of America (Green Mountain Council)
Vermont survivors who experienced abuse through the Boy Scouts were included in the organization’s national bankruptcy settlement plan. While not Vermont-specific, the fund made compensation available to victims across the country. The Green Mountain Council, Vermont’s chapter, participated in the process, which ultimately created a multi-billion-dollar trust for claimants. Vermont-based survivors filed claims through this national program rather than through state court.
Other Settlements
Beyond the high-profile institutional cases, other settlements in Vermont have generally involved individual lawsuits against educators, coaches, foster care providers, or private organizations. These cases tend to settle confidentially, and specific payout amounts are rarely disclosed. While verdicts in civil court are possible, most claims resolve through negotiated agreements, especially when filed against large organizations with reputational risk.
Recover Compensation with Help from from Kayla’s Survivors
The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors work closely with each client to build a strong, evidence-backed case by gathering records, identifying key witnesses, and consulting with medical and trauma experts. We understand the deeply personal nature of these cases and offer survivors the option to file anonymously to protect their privacy throughout the legal process. With a focus on accountability and justice, our legal team fights to maximize compensation by pursuing all available legal avenues. Take the next step by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us about your case online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.
The sexual abuse lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors have helped recover over $1 billion for our clients, including claims and lawsuits settled in the state of Vermont (such as Burlington, South Burlington, Colchester, Rutland, and Bennington).
