Attorney Larry Disparti, founder of the Disparti Law Group, is getting noticed for his advocacy on behalf of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. In a recent interview with Public News Service, Disparti speaks on how new Illinois legislation will make it easier for childhood sexual abuse survivors to sue their abusers. House Bill 222, which adds amendments to the current Illinois Antitrust Act, will eliminate key barriers for survivors taking civil action against their abuser.
House Bill 222 (HB 222), which will go into effect January 1, 2025, represents a major victory for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Disparti has been a vocal supporter of this legislation, recognizing the profound impact it will have on the lives of countless survivors. You can read more about House Bill 222 and its implications here.
Under previous laws, survivors were burdened with proving they were traumatized by the abuse. In the interview, Disparti notes how this impacted survivors who reached out to the firm in the past but were hesitant to move forward knowing they may have to relive their trauma in court. However, once HB 222 is in effect, the court will assume that the victim was traumatized by the event if there is proof that the abuse took place. This would all but eliminate the need for survivors to testify to that effect.
The new bill will also provide more time for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to sue their abuser. For some victims, it may take several years to come to terms with such a traumatic experience or even recognize that what happened to them was abuse. Now, survivors will no longer be punished by the passage of time.
Under Disparti’s leadership, Disparti Law Group has been at the forefront of defending childhood sexual abuse victims in civil proceedings, particularly in school sexual abuse which is running rampant in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). By fighting for survivors’ rights and seeking justice on their behalf, the firm has helped to bring visibility to the long-term harm caused by childhood sexual abuse and the urgent need for accountability.
The passage of House Bill 222 marks a pivotal moment in this mission. Advocacy groups and legal professionals have praised the law for recognizing the unique challenges survivors face, such as fear of victim blaming or not being believed. With these changes, Illinois now stands as a model for other states in advancing the rights of childhood sexual abuse survivors.
Attorney Larry Disparti remains steadfast in ensuring survivors have compassionate and effective representation. If you or someone you know was sexually abused as a child, the Disparti Law Group is ready to help you navigate the legal process. Call our sexual abuse hotline at (312) 506-1235 to speak with an experienced attorney. Now, more than ever, justice is within reach, and you don’t have to face it alone.
