New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You deserve to be believed. Talk privately with a New York attorney who represents survivors of sexual abuse across the state, at your pace, on your terms.
Your local attorneyLaurence Banville, Esq.
Justice in New York
Can you pursue a sexual abuse civil case in New York?
If you were sexually abused in New York, you have the right to hold the person who harmed you and any institution that enabled it accountable through a civil lawsuit. New York has some of the strongest survivor protections in the country, and a civil claim is separate from any criminal case: you do not need a criminal conviction, or even a police report, to move forward. We know reaching out is hard. There is no pressure here, and nothing is decided in a single phone call. You set the pace. Your conversation is confidential, your story is treated with care, and you will always know your options before you make a choice.Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Your local attorney
Laurence P. Banville, Esq.
Banville Law, PLLC
- 520 White Plains Road, Suite 500, Tarrytown, NY 10591
- Admitted: New York, 2009 · Bar #4725149
- University College Dublin
Handles: Child sexual abuse, Sexual assault, Institutional & clergy abuse, Abuse in schools and youth programs
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
Deadlines in New York
What are New York's statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims?
New York gives survivors significantly more time than most states, but deadlines still apply and vary depending on the circumstances of your case. A review of the facts is needed to understand where your claim stands.- Child Victims Act (CVA): Survivors abused as children may be able to file a civil lawsuit against abusers and the institutions that enabled them under New York's Child Victims Act.
- CVA look-back window: The law also opened a temporary revival window that allowed survivors to bring previously time-barred claims. That window has closed, so revival under it is no longer available, which makes it important to confirm where your own claim stands.
- Adult Survivors Act (ASA): New York separately created a revival window for people abused as adults. The sooner you ask, the more options you are likely to have.
- Criminal cases (separate from civil): Criminal time limits differ from civil deadlines and depend on the offense. A civil claim can move forward independently of whether criminal charges are ever filed.
How we help
New York abuse cases we handle
Whatever the setting, the focus is the same: accountability for the people and institutions responsible.
Child sexual abuse
Civil claims under New York's Child Victims Act against abusers and the organizations that protected them.
Clergy & religious institutions
Cases involving abuse within churches, dioceses, and faith-based programs across New York.
Schools & youth programs
Abuse in public and private schools, camps, sports, and youth organizations entrusted with your care.
Institutions & facilities
Foster care, residential and treatment facilities, hospitals, and other organizations that failed to protect you.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
New York questions
What survivors in New York ask us
Can I still file a sexual abuse claim in New York?
Often, yes. Under the Child Victims Act, survivors abused as children may be able to file a civil claim, and New York has had separate revival windows for adult survivors. Because deadlines depend on the facts, the safest step is a quick, confidential review of your situation.
What is the New York Child Victims Act?
The Child Victims Act (CVA) is a New York law that extended the time survivors of childhood sexual abuse have to sue. It generally allows civil claims against abusers and the institutions that enabled them, and it temporarily revived older claims through a look-back window that is no longer available.
Can I sue an institution in New York, not just the abuser?
Yes. New York law allows survivors to bring civil claims against schools, churches, employers, and other organizations when their negligence or cover-up enabled the abuse. Holding the institution accountable is often central to these cases.
Do I need to have reported the abuse to the police?
No. A civil case is separate from the criminal system. You do not need a police report, a criminal charge, or a conviction to pursue a civil claim in New York. Many survivors come forward years later, and that is okay.
Will I have to testify in court?
Many cases resolve without a trial, and not every survivor ends up testifying publicly. If your case does move toward trial, you will be prepared and supported every step of the way. The goal is always to protect your wellbeing, not to put you on display.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your first conversation is private, and protecting your privacy is a priority throughout. Many resolutions include confidentiality, and steps can be taken to limit public exposure of your identity. You will always know how your information is handled before you decide anything.
How much does a New York sexual abuse lawyer cost?
These cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means no upfront fees — a fee is only owed if your case succeeds. The first consultation is free and confidential, so reaching out costs you nothing.
How long do I have to decide whether to come forward?
There is no pressure to decide today, but New York's deadlines are real. Getting your timeline reviewed early simply preserves your options. You can ask questions and still take all the time you need to choose what is right for you.
Free & confidential
Talk to a New York sexual abuse lawyer
Your message goes privately to our New York intake team. No pressure, no judgment, just answers and support when you're ready.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
Start your free case review
It only takes a minute. Share what you’re comfortable with.
You don’t have to carry this alone.
Take the first step on your terms. A free, confidential conversation could be the start of getting the justice and support you deserve.
Explore more