NYC Juvenile Detention 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 people sexually abused as young people in New York City juvenile detention. 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 juvenile or ACS facility
- You experienced sexual abuse by corrections officers, guards, counselors, staff, or other facility employees
- The abuser was acting in their role at the facility when the abuse occurred
- You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, badge number, or detailed physical description
- You know the approximate time period when the abuse occurred
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.
Civil Attorneys for Sexual Abuse in NYC Juvenile Detention
Survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault by staff or others working at a New York City juvenile detention center may be eligible to file a claim. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. Survivors and family members can ask a juvenile detention sexual abuse attorney for a free review. Your consultation is confidential.
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 held 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 center.
What counts and who can reach out
- Abuse by guards, officers, medical staff, counselors or other staff counts.
- 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. A parent or guardian can reach out for a child.
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. Our juvenile detention sexual abuse lawyers offer a free, confidential case review, with no upfront cost and no fee unless we win. Learn how the Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law works.
NYC Juvenile Detention Centers at a Glance
| Center | Where | Run by | Status | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Juvenile Center | Bronx (Mott Haven) | NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) | Open | Horizon Juvenile Center sexual abuse claims |
| Crossroads Juvenile Center | Brooklyn (Brownsville) | ACS | Open | Crossroads Juvenile Center abuse claims |
| Spofford / Bridges Juvenile Center (former) | Bronx | The City; ACS when it closed | Closed 2011 | Former Spofford / Bridges abuse claims |
| Non-secure detention (group homes) | Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx | Non-profit providers under contract with ACS | Open | Non-secure detention abuse claims |
- Sources: ACS secure-detention and non-secure-detention pages; WNYC, March 30, 2011; NYC Department of Correction, October 11, 2018.
- As part of Raise the Age, in October 2018 the City moved all 16- and 17-year-olds off Rikers Island and into renovated juvenile facilities.
- If you were held on Rikers Island as a teenager, see our NYC jail sexual abuse lawyers page.
- A claim may arise from a center whether it is still operating or has since closed.
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
Start with the facility you recognize — or, if it isn't listed, the quiz sorts it out.
Not sure, or don't see your facility? Take the quiz — it sorts out whether you may qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 NYC juvenile detention, 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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