Manhattan School Sexual Abuse Attorneys
When selecting a school for our children, we hope that the faculty and other staff members will treat our children with care and respect. Unfortunately, some school employees may only be working at a school for the possibility of preying upon children entrusted to their care. If you or your child was a victim of sexual abuse at school, contact an experienced Manhattan school sexual abuse attorney today.
At Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP, we are aware of how sexual abuse can permanently affect a child physically and emotionally, and we are here for you in your time of need. Our firm has amassed years of experience litigating a wide range of school sexual abuse claims, and we would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300, or contact us online.
Common Forms of Sexual Abuse in Manhattan Schools
Sexual abuse can be carried out in several ways. A victim of sexual abuse may not be aware that they are being abused because their abuser may manipulate them into believing their actions are normal. In other cases, a victim may be intimidated by an abuser to keep any incidences of abuse a secret. That is why it is important to understand the types of sexual abuse that may be used to harm a child in a Manhattan school.
Physical Sexual Abuse
Physical sexual abuse can be carried out by an abuser in various forms. For example, a sexual abuser may attempt to fondle a child or force a child into fondling their genitals. Sexual abusers can also commit other repulsive actions:
- Raping a child or penetrating their genitals with a foreign object
- Forcing a child to engage in sexual acts with another victim or with the abuser
- Striking a child because they refuse to engage in sexual acts
Verbal Sexual Abuse
Verbal sexual abuse can often overlap with physical sexual abuse. An abuser may try to silence a victim by convincing them they are being abused because they deserve it or that other people would not believe they are being abused. When a child is continually berated in this manner, they may come to believe that their abuser is correct.
The abuser may also make sexual comments about the body of the victim, which can be used to shame the victim.
Emotional Sexual Abuse
Physical and verbal sexual abuse can drastically alter a victim’s mental state. There are also other actions that an abuser may commit that could damage the mental state of a child, like forcing them to consume pornographic material.
There are other circumstances that could be considered sexual abuse. To learn more about filing a lawsuit for sexual abuse in New York, you should continue reading and speak with an experienced NYC sexual abuse attorney.
New York Child Victims Act and Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
The Child Victims Act (CVA) was passed on February 14, 2019, and it lengthens the amount of time a victim of sexual abuse has to file a claim. Specifically, the CVA increases the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases. The statute of limitations dictates the amount of time that a person has to file a particular type of lawsuit.
Prior to the CVA, victims of sexual abuse had between one to five years to file a lawsuit against their abuser. However, recognizing that victims of sexual abuse often have a difficult time coming forward to face their abuser, the State of New York determined that this brief filing deadline was not adequate. As a result, survivors of sexual abuse now have until the age of 55 to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in New York.
Note, however, if the statute of limitations for a sexual abuse lawsuit had already lapsed before the passing of the CVA, a victim is not eligible to file their case up until the age of 55. Instead, victims whose cases have lapsed will have a one-year deadline to file their case against an abuser. This one-year extension began to run six months after the CVA was passed on February 14, 2019. This means that these victims of abuse would have until August 14, 2020, to file their claims.
It is also important to note that a survivor of sexual abuse is not limited to filing a lawsuit against their abuser. The sexual abuser and the private or public institution that protected them can both be named in a lawsuit. This means if a school attempted to cover up the actions of a faculty member that preyed on children, they can be held liable for their actions.
Consult with an Experienced Manhattan School Sexual Abuse Lawyer to Discuss Your Claim
If you or a family member was the victim of sexual abuse, consult with an experienced Manhattan school sexual abuse lawyer. Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP has worked with residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and others across the State of New York, and we are ready to fight for you. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Sullivan & Galleshaw, LLP at (718) 843-0300.