This week, the State of Maryland has once again sought to delay justice for sexual assault survivors. Attorneys at Anapol Weiss represent these survivors in their cases against the State of Maryland for the alleged abuse they suffered as children at state-run juvenile detention centers. Despite having ample time since the initial filings in 2023 to address these serious allegations, this week the State filed motions requesting further extensions, purportedly to facilitate settlement discussions. This action by the State is yet another attempt to evade accountability and prolong the suffering of those affected.
Alexandra Walsh of Anapol Weiss, co-counsel representing plaintiffs, expressed her frustration, stating, "We are disappointed that the State has decided to once again delay justice for survivors of sexual assault." She emphasized that the State has had sufficient time to respond to the complaints and that, instead of resolving the cases or providing substantive responses, they are now seeking the Court's intervention to further delay the process.” Kristen Gibbons Feden, who also represents the survivors, added "the State once again refuses to take accountability for the harm caused by the alleged sexual assaults that occurred at their juvenile detention facilities.”
The Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which took effect on October 1, 2023, eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse claims, allowing survivors to seek justice irrespective of when the abuse occurred. This legislative change has led to a significant number of lawsuits against various state institutions, including juvenile detention facilities, with allegations spanning several decades. “It is deeply disappointing that the State of Maryland would seek to delay access to justice by filing these motions after passing a law purporting to allow access to the Courts,” said Holly Dolejsi, attorney at Anapol Weiss.
The survivors, who have endured profound trauma, seek timely justice and resolution. During productive settlement negotiations, the State's requests for extensions were granted by plaintiffs. But with no resolution reached, counsel for plaintiffs are no longer willing to grant the State extensions. Despite having had over a year since the Complaints were filed to address these allegations, the State has now sought additional delay.
In response to the State's motions, the plaintiffs emphasize the urgency of moving forward without further delays. They urge the Court to recognize the extensive time already afforded to the State and to deny any additional extensions that would postpone justice for the survivors.
The plaintiffs remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice and accountability, hoping that the legal process will proceed without unwarranted delays, allowing them to find the closure they have long sought.
