Compassionate Legal Support for Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New York City
Survivors of sexual abuse often carry emotional and physical scars that last a lifetime. The trauma of non-consensual sexual contact, especially when compounded by silence or disbelief, can be devastating. Whether the abuse occurred in childhood, adulthood, or within institutions of trust, survivors deserve justice, closure, and safety. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our experienced NYC sexual abuse lawyers offer dedicated, confidential representation to help survivors of sexual abuse pursue legal action and begin healing.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse Under New York Law?
Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or sexual act that occurs without clear, voluntary consent. This includes inappropriate touching, forced sexual acts, coercion, or acts committed against someone who is unable to consent due to age, mental disability, or intoxication.
The term encompasses a wide range of abuse, including:
- Child sexual abuse
- Sexual assault in public or private settings
- Abuse within religious institutions
- Sexual harassment in the workplace or schools
- Sexual violence by intimate partners or authority figures
New York law allows victims of sexual abuse to pursue both criminal charges and civil claims, which can result in financial compensation and accountability for the abuser.
Legal Options for Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Survivors may file a civil lawsuit and/or participate in a criminal prosecution, depending on the circumstances. While criminal cases focus on punishing the alleged offender, civil claims provide survivors with the opportunity to recover damages for emotional distress, medical expenses, lost income, and other consequences of the abuse.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, our legal team helps clients understand complex legal procedures and determine whether a civil claim, criminal charges, or both are appropriate for their case. We also explain the differences in evidence standards between criminal offenses and civil lawsuits, and how this impacts the legal process.
Our NYC sexual abuse attorneys assist survivors in pursuing justice under laws such as:
- The Child Victims Act, which extended the statute of limitations for survivors of child sex abuse
- New York’s sexual assault laws
- Civil statutes for emotional harm, medical bills, and other damages
Understanding the Child Victims Act and Statute of Limitations
New York’s Child Victims Act gives survivors of child sexual abuse more time to file claims. For incidents that occurred when the victim was under 18, the act extends the civil statute of limitations to age 55. In some situations, adult survivors of sexual abuse can also file claims that would have previously been time-barred.
Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial in sexual abuse cases. Time limits differ for civil suits versus criminal charges, and exceptions may apply. Greenberg Gross LLP guides clients through these deadlines to ensure their right to pursue justice is preserved.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Sexual Abuse Case?
Sexual abuse cases often involve powerful institutions or individuals in positions of trust. Civil liability may apply not only to the direct abuser but also to parties that enabled the abuse, failed to act on warning signs, or violated mandatory reporting obligations.
Potential defendants in sexual abuse cases may include:
- Employers or schools who failed to prevent abuse
- Religious leaders or organizations
- Youth organizations or sports teams
- Medical professionals
- Facility administrators and supervisors
If you were sexually abused by a caregiver, educator, coach, clergy member, or other trusted adult, our NYC sexual abuse lawyers can help hold them and any enabling institutions accountable.
What to Expect During the Legal Process
The legal process for a sexual abuse claim can feel daunting. Our legal professionals provide constant emotional support and guidance. From the initial free consultation through investigation, legal filings, and possible courtroom proceedings, we make every step as clear and manageable as possible.
You can expect:
- A private, trauma-informed consultation
- Thorough review of legal options, including civil lawsuit or criminal claim
- Filing of your sexual abuse claim within the legal timeline
- Collection of medical records, witness statements, and legal documentation
- Advocacy in settlement negotiations or court
Survivors may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emotional distress and emotional pain
- Financial compensation for therapy and recovery costs
- Lost income or diminished future earnings
- Medical bills and physical injuries
We handle every sexual abuse case with discretion, sensitivity, and determination.
Supporting All Survivors, Including Child Victims and Adults
Sexual abuse affects people of every age, gender, sexual orientation, and background. Our firm represents a diverse range of sexual abuse survivors, including:
- Child victims of sexual misconduct in schools, homes, or foster care
- Adults who suffered sexual assault in the workplace or public settings
- Survivors of institutional abuse, including at religious centers or care facilities
- LGBTQ+ survivors, who may face unique barriers to justice
- Victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault
Our experienced sexual assault attorneys ensure every survivor receives the compassionate, effective representation they deserve.
Child Sexual Abuse and Legal Accountability
Greenberg Gross LLP has a long-standing commitment to representing survivors of child sexual abuse. This includes pursuing justice for survivors who were assaulted by teachers, religious leaders, youth counselors, and others in authority.
We handle:
- Civil suit filings under the Child Victims Act
- Claims for emotional support, therapy, and damages
- Legal action against institutions and enablers
- Civil claims for child sex abuse, child sex crimes, and sexual contact with minors
Our sexual abuse lawyers provide a voice for child sexual abuse victims and work to ensure these heinous acts do not go unpunished.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP?
Our law firm is known for its strength in high-profile civil lawsuit litigation and advocacy for survivors of abuse. We bring experience, credibility, and compassion to every case. Survivors trust our legal team to:
- Offer trauma-informed, confidential support
- Provide comprehensive legal services for sexual abuse cases
- Navigate complex legal proceedings with confidence
- Work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay our firm no legal fees unless we win
We are recognized as top sexual abuse and sexual assault lawyers in multiple states due to our unwavering dedication to pursuing justice.
Take the First Step: Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered sexual abuse, you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re ready to file a sexual abuse claim or just need guidance, the attorneys at Greenberg Gross LLP are here to help.
We offer a free consultation to answer your questions, explore your options, and begin the legal process discreetly and respectfully. Survivors of abuse deserve support, dignity, and the opportunity to pursue justice on their own terms.