A three-year time limit on civil claims for compensation will be lifted, meaning victims can bring such cases when they are ready.
Legal changes will also make it easier for victims to receive apologies from institutions such as schools, care facilities or hospitals.
Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood said the "important changes", in response to recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), led by Professor Alexis Jay and two consultations, are "long overdue", adding: "These measures help survivors pursue their path to justice."
Gabrielle Shaw, chief executive of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), said: “This is a watershed moment for survivors of child sexual abuse.
“These reforms recognise the long-term impact of trauma and ensure survivors are not excluded from seeking redress simply because of the time taken to come forward.
“NAPAC also welcomes greater clarity on apologies. A sincere apology, when freely given and supported by meaningful action, is invaluable - especially as part of wider efforts to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.
“These important changes reflect the growing understanding of what survivors need to access justice and healing, and we welcome the government’s commitment to making them a reality.”
Currently, civil child sexual abuse claims must be brought within three years of victims turning 18, unless the victim can prove a fair trial can proceed despite the time lapse.
But as IICSA heard, a “significant number” of claims are being rejected because it can take “decades for survivors to feel able to discuss their sexual abuse”.
As a result of the legal changes, all cases brought will proceed unless the defendant proves that a fair hearing cannot take place, for example due to lack of evidence.
IICSA also heard that in many child sexual abuse cases, an apology by an institution was desired but never delivered, blocking victims’ path to closure.
Often organisations are reluctant to apologise because of concerns it may be interpreted by individuals such as insurers, as an admission of fault.
The government will clarify, as per the IICSA recommendation, that apologies could and should be offered by employers for the actions of current or former employees.
Justice minister Sarah Sackman KC, said: “The courts must work for the public they serve – and we recognise that victims and survivors need time to process their trauma.
“By changing the law, it will now be possible for victims to come forward, and seek justice, when they feel ready to do so.”
IICSA, a seven-year public inquiry, heard the testimonies of more than 7,000 victims and made 20 final recommendations.
Other government measures announced in response to the recommendations, include:
- £10 million of local funding to protect children from grooming gangs, including £5 million for local inquiries
- Making it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material, punishable by up to five years in prison
- Make it illegal for anyone to possess AI “paedophile manuals” which teach people how to use AI to sexually abuse children, punishable by up to three years in prison
- Making grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences, and introduce a new mandatory reporting duty, in the Crime and Policing Bill to be put before Parliament this spring
- New offence to be created so anyone covering up child sexual abuse will face criminal sanctions
Read apologies consultation response here and limitation consultation response here.
