Know the Law: RCW 4.16.340 — Washington’s Statute of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse

The Law Itself: Full Text of RCW 4.16.340

This section provides the official wording of Washington’s statute of limitations for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse. Understanding the exact language is important for anyone considering legal action.

RCW 4.16.340 — Actions based on childhood sexual abuse

(1) All claims or causes of action based on intentional conduct brought by any person for recovery of damages for injury suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse that occurred before June 6, 2024, shall be commenced within the later of the following periods:

(a) Within three years of the act alleged to have caused the injury or condition;

(b) Within three years of the time the victim discovered or reasonably should have discovered that the injury or condition was caused by said act; or

(c) Within three years of the time the victim discovered that the act caused the injury for which the claim is brought: PROVIDED, That the time limit for commencement of an action under this section is tolled for a child until the child reaches the age of eighteen years.

(2) The victim need not establish which act in a series of continuing sexual abuse or exploitation incidents caused the injury complained of, but may compute the date of discovery from the date of discovery of the last act by the same perpetrator which is part of a common scheme or plan of sexual abuse or exploitation.

(3) The knowledge of a custodial parent or guardian shall not be imputed to a person under the age of eighteen years.

(4) For purposes of this section, “child” means a person under the age of eighteen years.

(5) As used in this section, “childhood sexual abuse” means any act committed by the defendant against a complainant who was less than eighteen years of age at the time of the act and which act would have been a violation of chapter 9A.44 RCW or RCW 9.68A.040 or prior laws of similar effect at the time the act was committed.

(6) There shall be no time limit for bringing any claims or causes of action based on intentional conduct brought by any person for recovery of damages for injury suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse when the act of childhood sexual abuse occurs on or after June 6, 2024.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

This updated breakdown explains each major part of RCW 4.16.340, including the 2024 changes, so you know exactly how the law applies to survivors in Washington.

• Who is covered: Anyone seeking damages for injuries resulting from intentional childhood sexual abuse that occurred in Washington.

• (1) Time limits for abuse before June 6, 2024: If the abuse occurred before June 6, 2024, you have the later of:

  • (a) Three years from the act itself if you realized the harm right away.

  • (b) Three years from discovery if you realized later (even decades later) that the abuse caused your injury or condition.

  • (c) Three years from discovering a specific injury—if you discover a new or deeper impact later, you have three years from that discovery to bring a claim.

  • Note: For children, the clock does not start until age 18 (“tolled” until adulthood).

• (2) Pattern or series of abuse: If you were abused multiple times as part of a pattern or scheme by the same perpetrator, you do not have to prove which specific incident caused your injury. You can calculate your discovery date based on when you realized the harm from the last act in that series.

• (3) Parental or guardian knowledge is excluded: Your parent’s or guardian’s awareness does not count toward your own timeline. Only your own knowledge matters for starting the deadline.

• (4) Definition of “child”: A child is anyone under 18 years old at the time of the abuse.

• (5) What counts as childhood sexual abuse: The law covers acts that would violate Washington’s sex offense laws (chapter 9A.44 RCW, RCW 9.68A.040, or similar previous laws) against someone under 18.

• (6) No time limit for abuse after June 6, 2024: If the abuse occurred on or after June 6, 2024, there is no statute of limitations—you can bring a lawsuit at any time, regardless of how much time has passed.

Plain Language Explanation

RCW 4.16.340 was created because lawmakers recognize that survivors of childhood sexual abuse often need years—even decades—to understand how deeply they’ve been affected. The 2024 update made the law even more survivor-focused. Here’s what it means for you, depending on when the abuse happened.

• If the abuse happened before June 6, 2024: You can file a lawsuit within three years of (a) the abuse, (b) when you realize the abuse caused your harm, or (c) when you discover a new or deeper impact from the abuse. If you were a child at the time, the clock does not start until you turn 18. If the abuse was part of a series, you do not have to know exactly which act caused the harm—you can use the date you discovered the impact from the last incident in the pattern.

• If the abuse happened on or after June 6, 2024: There is no deadline—you can bring a claim at any time, no matter how many years have passed since the abuse.

• You do not have to prove your parents or guardians knew or didn’t know. Your timeline is based on your own knowledge, not theirs.

• The law covers any sexual abuse that would violate Washington’s criminal code against minors—even if you did not report it or the perpetrator was never charged.

This law is designed to support survivors’ timelines, not institutions or perpetrators. You have more power than you may realize to decide when to seek justice.

How the Law Protects Survivors

Recent changes to Washington law expand and clarify survivor rights, recognizing how trauma can delay discovery and action.

• No deadline for new cases: If the abuse occurred on or after June 6, 2024, there is no time limit for bringing a lawsuit. You can take legal action whenever you’re ready, even if many years have passed.

• Extended rights for older cases: For abuse before June 6, 2024, you still have powerful options. You can bring a claim within three years of the abuse, three years from realizing the harm, or three years from discovering a new or deeper impact.

• Protection for patterns of abuse: If you experienced ongoing or repeated abuse, you don’t have to prove which specific incident caused your injury. You can use the date you discovered harm from the last incident in the pattern.

• Children are protected: The statute of limitations does not begin until you turn 18, giving you time and space to process and act when ready.

• Parents’ or guardians’ knowledge is irrelevant: Only your own understanding of the abuse and its impact matters for legal deadlines—not what others knew.

This law is intended to put control in the hands of survivors, not abusers or institutions. You have more flexibility and support under Washington law than ever before.

Legal Options and What You Can Recover

If you’re thinking about legal action, here’s what Washington law allows and the types of compensation you may be able to pursue:

• File a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and, in some cases, against organizations (such as schools, churches, or foster care providers) that failed to protect you or enabled the abuse.

• Seek financial recovery for counseling or therapy, medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other impacts of the abuse.

• Hold both individuals and institutions accountable—whether the abuse happened recently or many years ago, and whether it was an isolated act or a pattern over time.

• No deadline for recent abuse: If the abuse happened on or after June 6, 2024, you can pursue a claim at any time. If it happened before, you may still have time depending on when you realized the impact.

Note: While there is generally no criminal statute of limitations for serious child sexual abuse in Washington, this law governs civil claims for compensation and accountability. Consult an attorney to discuss both your civil and criminal legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Rights and Legal Options

Navigating the legal system after childhood sexual abuse can feel overwhelming, especially if you have questions about your rights, what to expect, or whether you’re even eligible to take action. This FAQ addresses the most common concerns we hear from survivors and their loved ones. Whether you’re considering legal action, seeking support, or just want to understand your options, you’ll find practical, plain-language answers here. If your question isn’t listed, you can always reach out for a confidential conversation—no pressure, no obligation.

Support, Resources, and Next Steps

Support is available even if you’re not sure about legal action. You can take your time and decide what’s right for you.

• Free, confidential consultations are available to talk through your situation.
• Every conversation is private and you decide how much you want to share.
• You do not have to make a decision right away—learning your options is a step toward taking back control.

Supportive Resources:

• RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline) – 1-800-656-HOPE
• Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP)
• Sexual Violence Law Center (SVLC)
• RCW 4.16.340 – Full Law Text (Washington State Legislature)

Ready to Talk? Get Help Today

If you have questions about your rights, want to understand your options, or feel ready to take legal action, our team is here for you. Every survivor’s experience is different—there is no “right” time to reach out. What matters is that you do it on your terms.

• Free, confidential consultations: Whether you’re looking for answers or ready to start a case, you can speak with an attorney in a private, no-pressure environment.

• Trauma-informed approach: You decide how much you share and what pace is comfortable for you. We’ll explain your rights and walk you through each step, so you’re never left wondering what happens next.

• No obligation: There is never any obligation to move forward if you’re not ready. Your privacy and well-being come first.

If you’re ready to talk or simply want to learn more, contact us today for your free and confidential case evaluation.