New York Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawye
Clergy sexual abuse is among the most devastating violations of trust a person can experience. Survivors often struggle for years, sometimes decades, to speak out, especially when the abuse occurred in a religious institution that should have provided safety and spiritual guidance. At Greenberg Gross LLP, our legal team stands with those who were sexually abused by clergy members in New York. We help survivors navigate the legal system with care, strength, and clarity.
If you or a loved one suffered abuse by a priest, pastor, deacon, or other clergy members, you may be entitled to file a clergy sexual abuse claim. New York law, including provisions of the Child Victims Act, offers survivors powerful tools to seek justice and hold institutions accountable.
Understanding clergy sexual abuse and your legal rights
Clergy sexual abuse includes a wide range of harmful behaviors, from inappropriate sexual contact to coercion, exploitation, and repeated acts of a sexual nature. These actions often target children or vulnerable adults and may be concealed or enabled by church leadership. Whether the abuse occurred in a parish, school, retreat, or other church-related setting, survivors have the right to pursue legal action.
Survivors of clergy abuse may have grounds to file a civil lawsuit even if the abuse occurred years ago. Thanks to New York’s Child Victims Act, many child sexual abuse survivors were able to file civil lawsuits during a special two-year revival window — even if their claims were previously time-barred. That window closed on August 14, 2021, but New York law still allows some survivors to bring lawsuits until they reach age 55.
Filing a clergy sexual abuse claim in New York
Bringing a clergy sexual abuse claim involves documenting the abuse, identifying the responsible parties, and determining whether legal proceedings are still available under New York law. Greenberg Gross LLP works with survivors of child sexual abuse, adult survivors, and families impacted by clergy abuse cases.
Our attorneys have handled a wide range of sex abuse claims involving the Catholic Church, other religious institutions, and high-ranking religious leaders. We investigate whether the abuse was part of a pattern, whether church leadership ignored prior reports, and whether the institution failed to report abuse or protect others from known offenders.
These civil lawsuits are not about faith—they are about accountability. Survivors deserve to know that they are not alone and that legal professionals are here to support them through the healing process.
The Child Victims Act and statute of limitations
In New York, the Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for many survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This law allows individuals to file a legal claim even decades after the abuse occurred. While the CVA revival deadline has passed, survivors may still qualify to file civil claims under current law, which allows lawsuits for some child sexual abuse until the survivor turns 55.
Greenberg Gross LLP can evaluate whether your clergy sexual abuse claim falls within these timeframes. The sooner you seek legal representation, the more options may be available.
What damages can survivors seek?
Survivors of clergy sexual abuse may pursue compensation for medical expenses, counseling services, emotional distress, and other harms resulting from the abuse. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded, especially where institutions knowingly concealed abuse or failed to act.
A civil lawsuit also offers a path to emotional support and recognition. For many survivors, legal action is a key part of the healing process. It allows them to hold their abuser accountable, pursue justice, and regain a sense of agency.
Our legal team will listen to your experience, assess your legal options, and guide you toward a path that prioritizes your well-being. You will never be pressured, and all consultations are confidential.
Legal action against religious institutions
Sexual abuse cases involving clergy often implicate entire religious institutions. Civil claims have been brought against Catholic dioceses, church leadership, and other religious leaders who failed to report abuse or reassigned known offenders.
The Catholic Church has faced numerous clergy abuse cases across New York, many involving similar cover-ups and repeated violations. These institutions can and should be held liable for their role in allowing abuse to continue. Lawsuits have also been filed against other clergy members and religious institutions that ignored their duty to protect children and parishioners.
At Greenberg Gross LLP, we pursue institutional accountability—not just punishment for the individual abuser. Our legal professionals are committed to exposing patterns of negligence and ensuring that survivors receive full legal protection.
Free consultation for survivors
Taking legal action is a personal and often difficult decision. That’s why we offer every survivor a free consultation with a sexual abuse attorney experienced in clergy abuse cases. Whether you’re exploring your rights or ready to file a civil lawsuit, we will meet you with compassion, clarity, and strength.
There are no legal fees for our firm unless we recover compensation for you.
Your story matters. You have the right to seek justice—and the right to be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as clergy sexual abuse?
Clergy sexual abuse involves any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior of a sexual nature committed by a clergy member. It often involves vulnerable individuals such as children or members of a congregation who trusted the abuser.
Can I still file a claim if the abuse happened decades ago?
Possibly. The Child Victims Act allowed previously time-barred cases to proceed during a special revival window, which closed on August 14, 2021. However, if you were under age 55 at the time of the abuse — or are under 55 now — you may still be eligible to file a civil lawsuit under New York’s extended statute of limitations.
Who can be held accountable in clergy abuse cases?
In addition to the individual abuser, church leadership, religious institutions, and Catholic dioceses can be held accountable for covering up or enabling abuse. Civil lawsuits can target institutions that failed to report abuse or protect others.
What compensation is available?
Survivors may receive compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Punitive damages may also be available in cases involving especially egregious misconduct.
How do I start the legal process?
You can begin with a confidential consultation with Greenberg Gross LLP. Our legal team will help you understand your rights, evaluate your legal claim, and explain next steps without pressure or judgment.