Rikers Island & NYC Jail Sexual Abuse Lawyers
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Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?
The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Attorneys for survivors of sexual abuse in New York City jails, including Rikers Island. Confidential, free case review.
Confidential
All consultations are completely confidential
Proven Results
$1B+ recovered for clients
Experienced Team
3,500+ survivors represented
40+ Years
Decades of experience fighting for justice
Who May Have a Claim
- You were incarcerated, detained, or held in custody at a NYC jail or correctional facility
- You experienced sexual abuse or sexual assault by corrections officers, guards, staff, or other facility employees
- You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, badge number, or detailed physical description
Your Legal Options & Why Now
We represent survivors of institutional sexual abuse in New York City. Speaking with us is free, confidential, and carries no obligation; if you decide to move forward, you pay nothing unless we win.
The Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law lets survivors bring civil claims against the City and the institutions connected to the abuse, alongside the individuals responsible. Whether any claim succeeds depends on the facts.
New York City law on abuse claims has recently changed. Deadlines are case-specific — a free, confidential review with an attorney is the fastest way to learn how they apply to you.
Sexual Abuse Lawyers for People Held in NYC Jails and Correctional Facilities
Survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault by staff or others working at a New York City jail or correctional facility may be eligible to file a claim. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. If you were an inmate and a correction officer, guard or other staff member abused you, an attorney can review it for free.
Which jails and facilities this page covers
This page is about New York City jails run by the City's Department of Correction, such as the jails on Rikers Island and the borough jails, including ones that have since closed. It also covers NYPD custody, including precinct holding cells. A City jail holds people awaiting trial or serving a sentence of a year or less.
A civil lawsuit is separate from a criminal case
Under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, the abuse does not have to have led to criminal charges, a prosecution or a conviction. You can reach out whether or not you ever reported the abuse.
Who can be responsible
The law lets a person bring a civil claim against the person who committed the abuse and against others who directed, enabled, took part in or conspired in it. Depending on the facts, that can include the City or an institution connected to the jail.
Staff and others working at the facility
Sexual abuse or sexual assault by correction officers, guards, medical staff, counselors or other staff counts.
You can reach out at any stage
- You can reach out whether you are still an inmate or have been released.
- Have a criminal record? Every situation is different. Talk with us about yours in a free, confidential review.
- Family members can contact us for someone who is still in custody. We'll explain what's needed for that person to move forward.
Your consultation is confidential. There is no upfront cost, and no fee unless we win. New York City law on abuse claims has recently changed, so whether a claim can go forward, and its deadline, depends on the facts and requires review with an attorney.
Last reviewed:
- 1You tell us as much or as little as you want.A confidential conversation with our team — by phone or online. You stay in control of the pace.
- 2We review whether you have a claim.At no cost, against the facts and the law — and we tell you honestly either way.
- 3You decide what happens next.If you choose to move forward, you pay nothing unless we win for you.
Time Limits
Time limits can apply to these claims. The sooner you reach out, the more we may be able to do — and .
Find where you were held
Most women who allege sexual abuse in NYC jails were held at the Rose M. Singer Center — start there, or find another facility below.
Sexually Abused at Rikers Island or RMSC? Start here.
The women's jail on Rikers Island, known as “Rosie’s.” We represent women bringing civil claims alleging staff sexual abuse in custody.
Not sure, or don't see your facility? Take the quiz — it sorts out whether you may qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim against New York City if a correction officer sexually abused or sexually assaulted me?+
You may be able to. The Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law lets survivors bring civil claims against the City and the institutions connected to the abuse, alongside the individuals responsible. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. New York City law on abuse claims has recently changed, so whether a claim can go forward, and its deadline, depends on the facts and requires review with an attorney.
Do I have to report the abuse to police to file a civil claim?+
No. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal proceedings. You do not need to have made a police report, and the outcome of any criminal case does not determine your civil claim. Many survivors pursue civil claims without ever involving law enforcement.
Do I need to know the abuser's full name?+
While knowing the abuser's full name is helpful, it's not always required. If you can provide a detailed physical description, nickname, or other identifying information, our investigators may be able to identify the perpetrator. However, if the abuser cannot ultimately be identified through investigation, it may affect the viability of your claim.
Is my consultation confidential?+
Yes. Your consultation is confidential.
How much does it cost to file a claim?+
There is no upfront cost to file a claim with our firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf.
Speak with us, confidentially
If you were sexually abused in a NYC jail or in custody, we're here to help — at no cost, and no obligation.
Do You Qualify? Find Out in 60 Seconds.
Survived sexual abuse or gender-motivated violence at a New York City institution? Answer a few quick questions below to find out if you may be eligible — or call us now. Every conversation is confidential and compassionate.
The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
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