New York Sexual Abuse Lawyers
WHAT MATTERS MOST
- Child sexual abuse is common and not always physical — it can include showing a child pornography, and it happens to about 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 10 boys.
- If you suspect your child was abused, act fast: call the NY Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-342-3720) and use resources like nyscarcc.org to get help.
- Schools, daycares, camps, and landlords can be held legally responsible if they failed to report known abuse, didn’t screen staff properly, or ignored unsafe conditions (like broken locks or bad lighting) that let abuse happen.
Sexual abuse of children is a harsh fact of life in our society, and is more common than most people realize. Child sexual abuse is any sexual act performed with a child by an adult or an older child. Some surveys indicate that 1 out of 5 adult women and 1 out of 10 adult men have been sexually abused in childhood. Not all sexual abuse involves physical touching, and these instances can be more difficult to detect. Exposing a minor to pornography, or using a minor to create child pornography, are also forms of sexual abuse that can have the same devastating consequences for the child.
If you know or suspect that your child has been sexually abused you may be feeling angry, sad and confused about what to do next. What you can and should do is call the New York State Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720, and take action to keep your child safe from further harm.
The following link is an excellent resource for finding physicians and agencies that can give you the tools and direction to get through this terrible time.
While the legal system provides for criminal prosecution of a perpetrator, it also provides an avenue to hold negligent institutions accountable for their failure to protect your child from a known or suspected abuser. If any of the following circumstances apply to your situation we may be able to help you, if your case can be brought in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
Was your child abused in a school environment?
A school’s administration has a legal obligation to protect your child as you would while your child is in their care.
Was your child’s abuse suspected, or known of, by a care provider but not reported?
If someone employed by a school, daycare facility, camp – or any facility licensed to care for children – suspects child abuse, it is mandatory that they report it to the authorities.
Was your child abused by a caregiver who was not properly screened?
Schools, daycare facilities, camps and any organization that is licensed to care for children must complete adequate background checks before hiring staff.
Did abuse occur because of unsafe conditions that were neglected by a landlord or property owner?
Some examples include lack of security/supervision, defective key card readers and lack of sufficient lighting. This applies to ANY victim of a sexual assault – REGARDLESS OF AGE.
We are here to help you. Simply fill out the free case appraisal form or call us toll free at 1-877-472-1095.
Partner Nancy Y. Morgan has extensive experience in handling these difficult lawsuits. To read more about Nancy Morgan or sexual assault cases she has handled click here.
Sexual abuse can also happen to your elderly loved one in any nursing home. If your loved one has been seriously abused or neglected in their nursing home, you may have a case. Click to learn more about nursing home neglect and abuse and how Finkelstein & Partners can help.
