New York Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer
Child sexual abuse is a heartbreaking crime that can leave survivors with lifelong emotional, psychological, and physical scars. In New York, survivors now have stronger protections than ever before, thanks to important legal reforms like the Child Victims Act. These laws recognize the courage it takes for survivors to come forward and offer a path toward accountability and justice.
If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child in New York, you have the right to seek justice and compensation through the civil court system. Greenberg Gross LLP is here to guide you through that process with compassion, discretion, and dedication. Our legal team is experienced in handling complex child sexual abuse cases and is committed to holding all at fault parties accountable.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse and Legal Definitions
Child sexual abuse refers to any form of non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation involving a minor. Under New York law, these acts can range from inappropriate touching to sexual act involving penetration or sexual gratification. The abuse may occur once or be repeated over time and is often committed by a person the child trusts, such as a family member, teacher, clergy, or coach.
In many cases, survivors are sexually abused by individuals in positions of authority or power. They may be too afraid, confused, or emotionally manipulated to speak out at the time the abuse occurred. It often takes years, or even decades, for survivors to fully process what happened and feel ready to pursue legal action.
The Child Victims Act: A Landmark Legal Reform
Passed in 2019, the Child Victims Act transformed the legal landscape for child sex abuse victims in New York. This law extended the statute of limitations, allowing survivors to file a civil lawsuit until age 55 and a criminal claim until age 28. It also opened a two-year window for previously expired claims to be filed in court. Although that window has closed, many claims are still valid under the new timeframe.
The York Child Victims Act recognizes that child victims often need time to come forward. The trauma of abuse—compounded by shame, manipulation, and fear—can delay disclosure. This law ensures survivors can still pursue justice even if the abuse happened years ago.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In a civil claim, survivors may seek compensation not only from the alleged offender but also from the institutions or law firms that enabled or ignored the abuse. This may include:
- Schools and school districts
- Religious organizations, including the Catholic Church
- Youth programs and foster care agencies
- Camps, daycares, and community centers
These organizations may be held accountable if they failed to perform background checks, ignored reports of abuse, or placed children in immediate danger through negligence.
Legal Options and Civil Lawsuits for Survivors
A sexual abuse attorney can help survivors understand their rights and determine whether to pursue a civil lawsuit. These suits seek financial compensation for:
- Medical bills and medical expenses
- Emotional distress
- Ongoing therapy and support services
- Lost future earnings
- Pain, suffering, and physical pain
- Mental health challenges resulting from the trauma
In many child sexual abuse cases, survivors also seek accountability and a sense of closure—knowing that their story helped prevent future harm to other vulnerable children.
Types of Child Sexual Abuse Cases We Handle
Greenberg Gross LLP represents survivors in a wide range of child sexual abuse cases, including:
Abuse in Religious Institutions
We represent survivors of Catholic Church abuse and other religious organizations that allowed abuse to occur or failed to act. Our firm is deeply familiar with the unique challenges these survivors face and works tirelessly to bring justice and visibility to these often hidden crimes.
Abuse in Schools and Youth Programs
Teachers, coaches, and staff are often in positions where they have unsupervised access to children. When child sex abuse victims are harmed in educational or extracurricular settings, both the individual and the institution may be liable.
Abuse in Foster Care or State Custody
Some children are abused while in state custody or group homes, where oversight may be minimal. Survivors of child sex crimes in these environments deserve strong legal advocacy and support.
Abuse Involving Pornography or Exploitation
Some survivors were forced into creating or distributing child pornography or were exploited for the sexual gratification of others. These are criminal acts, but survivors may also file civil claims to seek compensation and expose the offenders.
How We Help Sexual Abuse Survivors in New York
Our legal professionals understand how deeply trauma can affect a person’s life. That’s why we provide sensitive, confidential legal counsel tailored to each client’s unique experience. We listen. We support. And we fight to help you pursue justice on your terms.
Why Choose Greenberg Gross LLP?
- We focus exclusively on survivors—not defendants
- We have handled hundreds of sexual abuse cases
- Our attorneys are experts in New York law and civil claim procedures
- We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win
From building your case to negotiating settlements or appearing in court, we provide steady guidance throughout your legal proceedings.
Signs of Abuse and Long-Term Effects
Survivors may experience a wide range of long-term issues, including:
- Mental health challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Relationship issues
- Difficulty trusting others
- Emotional support needs across a lifetime
- Shame or guilt tied to their sexual orientation or gender identity
Recognizing these effects helps the legal system understand why survivors may delay reporting or struggle with legal action.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit: What to Expect
Every case begins with a free consultation where a sexual abuse attorney listens to your story and explains your rights. If you choose to move forward, your attorney will:
- Gather evidence and documentation
- Identify responsible individuals and institutions
- File your civil lawsuit in the appropriate court
- Handle all communication, filings, and strategy
- Represent you during settlement discussions or trial
You may be eligible for financial compensation that helps rebuild your life and support recovery.
Ready to Pursue Justice?
If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a child in New York, legal help is available. A compassionate and experienced New York Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer at Greenberg Gross LLP is here to help you explore legal options and hold abusers and institutions accountable. You are not alone—and you are not without options.
Schedule your free consultation today. Let us stand beside you in your journey toward justice and healing.
FAQ
What is the Child Victims Act?
The Child Victims Act is a New York law that expanded the statute of limitations for filing civil lawsuits and criminal claims in child sex abuse cases. It allows survivors to seek justice well into adulthood.
Can I sue if the abuse occurred many years ago?
Yes. Under the New York Child Victims Act, you may still have time to file depending on your age and when the abuse occurred.
What compensation can I receive?
You may recover damages for medical expenses, therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering. Your attorney can help determine what you’re entitled to based on the impact of the abuse.
Do I need to face the abuser in court?
Not necessarily. Many cases settle out of court, and your legal team can take steps to minimize re-traumatization during any required appearances.
How do I get started?
Contact our firm for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights under New York law, and help you decide whether filing a civil claim is the right next step.