For years, doors were slammed in the faces of four local abuse victims when they tried to report it. 

But now, with the Child Victims Act passed, those doors will be opened, giving them a second chance for justice.

For many victims of abuse, it can take years before they're able to cope or feel comfortable telling anyone about their traumatic experience. 

Oftentimes, they're turned away.

"It was like a slap in the face, there was just nothing that could be done, it just really kind of put another burden upon the problem that was already existing and that there was no way out," said Michael Eames, a survivor of abuse.

But Monday, the Child Victims Act was passed in New York.

Spectrum News heard from four victims, represented by HoganWillig Attorneys at Law, about what this new law means to them.

Vanessa DeRosa was sexually harassed and abused when she was in middle school.

"It's a big deal because you can't expect a child to all of a sudden to turn 18 and now they are OK to talk about it, now they can go pursue it, a lot of times they need more time mentally to come forward so it's not just a big deal for everybody in this room, it's a big deal for a lot of other people too," said DeRosa.

Attorneys say, with the new law, they hope to see people be held more accountable, and eliminate abuse altogether.

"I think there's a hope too that people won't have to suffer this abuse because of a heavier hammer that now exists," said Dianne Tiveron, HoganWillig managing partner.

All four of these victims were abused at the hands of Diocesan priests, but they hope to see justice for all victims.

"It's going to apply to both public and private institutions, so whether it was a camp counselor, an uncle, it doesn't matter it's all survivors of abuse under the law," said William A. Lorenz, Jr., HoganWillig associate attorney.

And while these victims say they can never be completely vindicated, they hope this law will prevent others from going through what they did.

"I feel more comfortable now today, because I've learned how to deal with it but as far as healing that wound, it's always going to be there," said Kevin Haslam, a survivor of abuse.

"I think every child who was and is going to be a victim will benefit from this law," said DeRosa.