NYC Institutional Sexual Abuse Lawyers
Were you sexually abused by a professor, coach, or someone in a position of authority at a New York City institution?
The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Attorneys for survivors of sexual abuse by someone acting in an institutional role — a professor, foster parent, coach, or other authority figure. 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 enrolled, placed, or participated at an institution in New York City
- You experienced sexual abuse by a professor, coach, foster parent, staff member, or other authority figure
- The abuser was acting in their institutional role when the abuse occurred
- You can identify the abuser by name or detailed 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 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.
Lawyers for Sexual Abuse by Professors and Staff at CUNY and Private Colleges in NYC
Survivors of sexual abuse or sexual assault by staff or others working at CUNY or a private college or university in New York City may be eligible to file a claim. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. 1 If a professor, coach or other staff member sexually abused you as a student, an attorney can review it for free, and your consultation is confidential.
Which colleges and staff this section covers
This section covers sexual abuse of students by professors, instructors, advisors, coaches, athletic trainers, counselors, residence-hall staff and others working at a CUNY college 3 or a private college or university in New York City's five boroughs. It includes sexual assault, rape and unwanted sexual touching.
Who can be responsible
Under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, a person can bring a civil claim against the person who committed the abuse and against others who directed, enabled, took part in or conspired in it. 2 Depending on the facts, that can include the college or university where the abuser worked.
Who can reach out
- You can reach out whether or not you ever reported the abuse, to the school or to the police, and whether or not anyone was charged. 1
- You can reach out whether you are still a student or have graduated or left the school.
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 college and university sexual abuse lawyers offer a free, confidential case review, with no upfront cost and no fee unless we win.
Sources & authorities
- [1]New York City Council — Local Law 73 of 2000 (Int. 752-2000), the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Actlegistar.council.nyc.gov
- [2]New York City Council — Local Law 21 of 2022 (Int. 2372-2021), amending the Gender-Motivated Violence Actlegistar.council.nyc.gov
- [3]The City University of New York — About CUNYcuny.edu
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 .
Abuse by someone in authority — at any institution
What matters is the abuser's institutional role — at CUNY and private universities, community colleges and graduate schools, foster and group homes, residential programs, youth sports leagues, dance and martial-arts studios, camps, and athletic clubs. We investigate claims of sexual abuse by:
Not sure, or don't see the role? 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 at a NYC institution, 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.
Question 1 of 3