Our Connecticut residents have likely heard or read about the recent sexual abuse accusations a couple of women have brought against comedian Bill Cosby. According to media reports a woman, now a journalist and publicist, who met the comedian in 1969 indicated that Cosby had sexually assaulted her nearly 45 years ago when she was only 19-years-old.
According to her, when Cosby and her were working on some comedy routines in 1969, Cosby made a drink for her. Shortly after she consumed the drink, she indicated passing out and waking groggy and with Cosby allegedly attempting to remove her undergarment. She was able to deter Cosby from proceeding any further but he nevertheless forced her to have oral sex with him. She was only 19-years-old at the time.
Given how famous Cosby was, the woman claims to have been conflicted about what to do. In her recent interviews, she indicated that despite the incident she continued to work with him only to become a victim of sexual assault again. Allegedly Cosby had slipped something in her drink which made her groggy. She passed out and allegedly woke up naked later with Cosby lying next to her in bed. These incidents occurred nearly 45 years ago.
In addition to this sexual assault accusation against Cosby, another woman recently has also come forward alleging that Cosby raped her and has gone public with a similar account, and recently wrote a blog in the Washington Post detailing the alleged sexual assault. What Connecticut residents may not know is that in 2006 Bill Cosby settled a sexual abuse civil lawsuit wherein the victim of the sexual assault accused him of drugging and then molesting her. According to reports before the 2006 case settled, at least 13 victims of sexual assault with similar stories were ready to testify as witnessesinthe case had it gone to trial, but they never did.
For those women who are now coming forward with sexual abuse allegations against Cosby, the statute of limitations has likely passed leaving them no legal recourse. In Connecticut however, the statute of limitations is 30 years past the age of 18. Thus, a victim of sexual assault has until age 48 to bring a civil action against their perpetrator. It is not easy to confront someone an abuser, but those who do can approach a legal professional for assistance and take the first few steps to holding the perpetrator accountable for their behavior.
Source: CNN, “Woman accuses Bill Cosby of sexually assaulting her decades ago,” Jethro Mullen, Nov. 18, 2014
