Missouri Statute of Limitations for Sexual Abuse: What Survivors Should Know Before Time Runs Out

When someone has experienced sexual abuse, trauma does not follow a schedule. It can take years, even decades, to come to terms with what happened or to feel safe enough to speak up.

That is why understanding Missouri’s statute of limitations is so important. These laws determine how long survivors have to file a civil lawsuit. Once that window closes, a court may dismiss even the strongest case based solely on timing.

In this post, we explain Missouri’s legal deadlines, potential changes to the law, and how certain exceptions could keep the door open for survivors to pursue justice.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is a law that sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In civil sexual abuse cases, it defines how long a survivor has to sue the person who harmed them or an institution that allowed the abuse to occur.

Lawmakers say these limits are meant to preserve evidence and ensure fairness. But for abuse survivors, especially children, these deadlines often come long before they are emotionally or psychologically ready to take action. That delay is a normal part of trauma—and one that the legal system is slowly starting to recognize.

Missouri’s Current Deadlines for Civil Sexual Abuse Claims

The time limit for filing a lawsuit in Missouri depends on how old the survivor was at the time of the abuse and what kind of legal claim they want to bring.

If You Were Abused as an Adult (18 or older)

You generally have five years from the date of the abuse to file a civil lawsuit for:

Sexual assault
Battery
Intentional infliction of emotional distress

This timeline is found in the Missouri statute covering most personal injury claims: Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120

If You Were Abused as a Child (Under 18)

Missouri law currently gives survivors of childhood sexual abuse until they turn 31 to file a civil claim. That is thirteen years after reaching adulthood.

This applies to many claims involving sexual abuse by a family member, teacher, clergy member, or other adult in a position of trust: Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.371

New Legislation Could Extend These Limits

In early 2025, Missouri’s House of Representatives passed a bill to extend the deadline for childhood sexual abuse claims from age 31 to age 41.

That extra decade could make all the difference for survivors who are only now beginning to come to terms with what happened.

This push to expand legal time limits follows a national trend. More than 20 states have recently extended or removed civil statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse cases.

When Does the Clock Start?

In most cases, the clock begins ticking:

On the date of the abuse for adults

On the survivor’s 18th birthday for childhood abuse

However, there are exceptions that can give survivors more time.

Missouri’s Discovery Rule

Missouri courts recognize what is called the “discovery rule.” This rule allows the statute of limitations to start when a survivor discovers, or reasonably should have discovered, that:

The abuse occurred, and
It caused them measurable harm

This exception is particularly relevant for those with repressed memories or delayed trauma responses. Survivors who only connected the dots during therapy or adulthood may still have a valid case if they act within a certain number of years after that discovery.

Why Deadlines Matter So Much

Civil lawsuits allow survivors to hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable. Through a lawsuit, you can seek:

Compensation for therapy, medical bills, and lost income

Damages for emotional suffering and trauma

Punitive damages in cases of extreme misconduct

But if you wait too long, you may lose your legal right to sue. That is why it is critical to understand the clock—and to speak with an attorney if you are unsure how it applies to your situation.

What If the Abuser Was a Minor?

Survivors can still pursue civil cases, even if the person who abused them was also a minor. Missouri law allows victims to sue juveniles, though these lawsuits often focus on the parents or institutions that failed to protect the victim.

For example, if a 17-year-old sexually assaulted a younger teen at school or camp, the school or supervising adults might be liable for failing to prevent the abuse. These cases often fall under Missouri’s negligence laws, which also have a five-year limit for filing in most situations.

What If the Deadline Has Already Passed?

If the standard time limit has passed, you may still have options.

Discovery rule exceptions: If you only recently realized how the abuse affected you, your time to sue may have just started.
New legislation: If Missouri passes the pending bill, you could gain another ten years to file a case involving childhood sexual abuse.
Victim compensation programs: Even if you are not ready or eligible to file a lawsuit, you may be able to access financial help through the Missouri Crime Victims’ Compensation Program

Do not assume you are out of time. An attorney can evaluate your specific situation and help you understand what paths might still be open.

Why Survivors Often Delay Reporting or Legal Action

Many survivors of sexual abuse wait years to speak out. That is not a sign of weakness. It is a common, well-documented effect of trauma.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, most survivors never report the abuse to law enforcement. Many feel shame, fear of not being believed, or concerns about retaliation. Others simply try to move on and avoid reopening deep emotional wounds.

But if you are ready now, the law may still give you a path forward—especially if Missouri’s statute of limitations is extended as expected.

The Role of Civil Lawsuits in Survivor Recovery

For many survivors, a civil lawsuit is not just about money. It is about:

Having your story heard
Holding someone accountable
Reclaiming a sense of control
Funding therapy, housing, or education
Creating change that protects others from harm

If you succeed in court or reach a settlement, it sends a clear message: what happened to you matters—and the person or institution that allowed it must face consequences.

Read more on how civil claims can help with healing in this National Crime Victim Bar Association resource.

What You Can Do Today

If you believe you were abused and are considering legal action, here are three steps to take right now:

1. Learn your deadlines: Every case is different. Talk to a legal professional about how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.
2. Gather any records or evidence: Journals, messages, or medical records can help support your claim.
3. Seek trauma-informed legal support: A lawyer familiar with abuse cases will understand the emotional aspects of your story and help you pursue justice at your pace.

You Deserve Time—and Justice

Whether your abuse happened recently or long ago, you are not alone. The law in Missouri may be changing to give survivors more time—and more opportunity—to seek justice.

At O’Brien Law Firm, we understand the courage it takes to even consider legal action. We offer:

Confidential consultations
Compassionate, trauma-informed legal services
Experience navigating both current law and ongoing changes
A commitment to protecting your privacy every step of the way

You do not have to rush. But you do deserve answers—and options.