Time bar for victims of abuse to be scrapped

Holyrood has passed “historic” legislation that will scrap the time limit for victims of childhood abuse to sue for damages. MSPS unanimously backed a Scottish Government Bill to remove the current three-year time bar to seek civil damages in court cases arising from childhood abuse on or after 26 September 1964.

Legal affairs minister Annabelle Ewing hailed the Limitation (Childhood Abuse) Bill as an “important milestone” as she paid tribute to survivors of abuse.

“I thank them for their bravery and persistence for bringing to our attention the plight and injustices they have suffered and for not giving up their fight to set these injustices right,” she said.

“I am humbled by the courage they have shown, not only in campaigning for this legislative change but also in coming forward and sharing their experiences.”