BUFFALO, N.Y. — Sex abuse survivors gathered with local leaders at UB Saturday for a panel discussing the Child Victims Act.

They're hoping that recounting their struggles will help spur change in New York State.

Under current law, survivors of child sexual abuse have until their 23rd birthday to bring criminal charges against their abusers for most felony sexual abuse crimes. They have the same amount of time to bring a civil lawsuit against their abuser.

A proposed bill would eliminate the statute of limitations.

Survivors shared their stories and encouraged the audience to contact their senators and support the legislation.

State Senator Tim Kennedy is one of many area lawmakers supporting the bill.

"I believe it’s so important because it will highlight abusers in the past and bring them out where they're still hiding. There are abusers in places of authority today because the Child Victims Act has not passed in the state of New York,” said Kennedy, (D) Senate – Buffalo.

Kennedy says the bill could come to a vote within the next three weeks if it's included in the state budget.