ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
NEW YORK SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: April 25, 2025
On This Page
- Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer
- How Does New York Law Define Sexual Abuse?
- What Are The Legal Options For Sexual Abuse Victims In New York?
- Types of Sexual Abuse Cases In New York
- What Should Sexual Abuse Survivors Do After An Assault?
- Schedule A Free, Confidential Consultation With Compassionate New York City Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today
Under New York law, sexual abuse involves subjecting another person to unwanted and non-consensual sexual contact or conduct through threats, fear, or coercion. Sexual abuse also occurs if the victim is incapacitated or incapable of consent. This type of abuse can take a physical and psychological toll on survivors, both immediately and long-term. It’s important to know that sexual abuse is never the victim’s fault.
In some cases, sexual abuse is perpetrated against members of vulnerable groups in institutional settings like churches, schools, prisons, and more. When institutional abuse occurs, sexual abuse victims in New York can take legal action against the perpetrators and institutions that enabled their abuse to seek justice and compensation.
Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote As Your New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer
To pursue justice against those responsible for your abuse, you need legal representation from an experienced sexual abuse attorney. At Andreozzi + Foote, our legal team prides itself on providing compassionate services to survivors with civil claims to hold their abusers accountable. We understand that sexual violence can leave victims of any age feeling violated and traumatized, and our team will work tirelessly to provide the legal and emotional support you need.
Over the years, Andreozzi + Foote has become one of the top sexual abuse law firms in the nation, with a successful track record of holding perpetrators accountable. If you or someone you love was the victim of sexual abuse, reach out to our New York law office today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced sexual assault lawyer.
Obtained A Record Jury Verdict For A Young Sexual Abuse Victim
$88M
The Firm Is Also Proud Of the Significant Non-Economic Results They Have Obtained
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys and legal staff base their approach on empathy, building trust with clients who have experienced horrific abuse. While seeking justice through a civil lawsuit cannot undo the harm that sexual abuse causes, it can help survivors hold their abusers accountable.
“Ben and Nate took their time in handling my case with compassion and care. I never had to wonder what was going on. They always made sure to include me in each and every decision that needed to be made before they were made. Their entire staff was always very polite and knowledgeable. I cannot say enough kind words about Andreozzi + Foote; they are simply the best!”
- – V.B.
How Does New York Law Define Sexual Abuse?
New York has broad definitions for what it considers to be sexual abuse and sexual assault. Essentially, any non-consensual sexual contact or sexual act could be considered a crime in New York. In recent years, New York has adapted many of its laws surrounding sexual abuse to be more survivor-friendly, including expanding the window for filing abuse claims.
Under New York law, there are three degrees of sexual abuse and four degrees of aggravated sexual abuse, each with a slightly different definition. The main difference between sexual abuse and aggravated sexual abuse is that under state law, aggravated sexual abuse must include some type of penetration. Every type of sexual abuse under the law involves non-consensual sexual contact.
What Is The New York Child Victims Act?
In early 2019, New York enacted the Child Victims Act, which expanded the rights of minor victims to bring civil actions for damages against their abusers and their enablers. This new law alters the statute of limitations for prosecuting child sex abuse crimes and filing civil lawsuits for damages against individuals, institutions, and churches involved in child sexual abuse.
If you suffered sexual abuse as a child, you now have until you reach the age of 55 to file a lawsuit against your abusers and the institution that enabled the abuse. Previously, child sexual abuse victims had to come forward and seek justice by the age of 23. The law also provided a one-year lookback period, allowing those whose cases were previously barred to file lawsuits. However, that lookback period has since expired.
In addition, individuals who suffered child sexual abuse at public institutions can now file civil lawsuits against those organizations without having to file a notice of claim or notice of intention.
To learn more, please contact our New York sexual abuse lawyers to discuss your case today.
When Is It Impossible For Individuals to Provide Legal Consent?
Consent must be given mutually, knowingly, and voluntarily to avoid confusion or criminal allegations in any sexual contact scenario. This consent could be provided through words or actions, just as long as the intention is clear and explicit. Silence is not consent.
Additionally, there are several instances where a person cannot legally provide consent. Such instances include the following:
- The victim is 17 years old or younger
- The victim has a mental disability
- The victim is incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs
- The victim felt coerced into giving consent
What Are The Legal Options For Sexual Abuse Victims In New York?
To hold a sexual abuser and the institution that enabled the abuse accountable, sexual assault survivors may be able to file a civil lawsuit, seek criminal charges, or both. In a civil case, survivors can seek the recovery of compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Meanwhile, criminal charges aim to punish perpetrators of sexual violence with jail time. Importantly, prosecutors ultimately decide whether to file criminal charges, while the victims have control over whether to file a civil lawsuit.
The justice system can be difficult to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with it. After receiving medical treatment for any injuries and getting to a safe place, it’s usually helpful for survivors to report the abuse to law enforcement, who will then conduct an investigation. Then, speak with an attorney about the potential to file a civil suit.
In New York, most adult survivors of sexual abuse have 20 years to file a civil sexual abuse lawsuit. Survivors who were under the age of 18 before the Child Victims Act passed in January 2019 have until they turn 23 to file a suit. However, survivors who experienced child sexual abuse after January 2019 have until they turn 55 to sue.
Types of Sexual Abuse Cases In New York
As one of the nation’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote is led by experienced, trauma-informed attorneys who create life-changing results for survivors and their families. As a niche firm, our specialization in sexual abuse cases allows us to offer tailored strategies and insights to every client. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide to help you and your family determine if you have a case.
Andreozzi + Foote has a depth of experience in many practice areas surrounding sexual abuse, including institutional abuse. Unfortunately, sexual abuse is common in institutions where individuals are made to feel especially vulnerable or small. This includes religious organizations, churches, workplaces, prisons, foster care facilities, camps, schools, and more. Our law firm can help you hold the institutions that enabled your abuse accountable.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we fight for children harmed in daycare and child care settings, holding caregivers and organizations accountable for their failure to protect vulnerable young lives.
Children are among the most vulnerable individuals in society. Children left without the protection of their natural parents are even more vulnerable.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we stand up for survivors of sexual abuse in schools and universitiesi, holding educational institutions responsible for failing to protect students and fighting for the justice they deserve.
We represent survivors of sexual abuse within youth organiations and sport leagues, demanding justice for victims harmed by trusted coaches, mentors, and officials.
We represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse, holding religious institutions accountable and seeking justice for those who endured harm by trusted leaders within the faith community.
Our firm is committed to helping survivors of human and sex trafficking by pursuing justice against traffickers and organizations, while providing compassionate support to help rebuild lives.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we fight for victims of sexual abuse in healthcare settings, holding medical professionals and institutions accountable for exploiting their positions of trust and power
Our attorneys are dedicated to seeking justice for nursing home residents who have suffered sexual abuse, holding negligent facilities and staff accountable for mistreating elderly and ulnerable individuals.
What Should Sexual Abuse Survivors Do After An Assault?
If you have been the victim of sexual predators, there are certain steps that you should consider taking following a sexual assault incident that could help save your life and strengthen your sexual abuse claim.
- Get To A Safe Place: After experiencing sexual abuse, the most important thing to do is move to a safe place if possible. Try to find a way to get somewhere safe with people you can trust as soon as you can.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you believe your physical injuries to be minor, it is still important to seek immediate medical attention following sexual abuse. Medical professionals can examine and treat your injuries and provide support to help you recover.
- Find Emotional Support: One of the first coping mechanisms after surviving an unwanted sexual act is to confide in a trusted individual and gain emotional support. Consider calling a trusted family member or close friend.
- Consider Reporting The Assault to Law Enforcement: Even if you are unsure about the details of what happened to you, it can be helpful to report sexual abuse after it occurs. Law enforcement will investigate your claim, and if they find enough evidence, state prosecutors can file criminal charges against the perpetrator.
- Explore Your Legal Options: If you hope to seek justice through a civil lawsuit, speaking with a trusted New York sexual abuse law firm can help you identify all your legal options for holding perpetrators and institutions accountable.
- Seek Support and Counseling: Many survivors often try to avoid processing the sexual abuse they’ve endured. However, avoiding processing the experience does not lead to healing. Consider getting into a support group or professional therapy to discuss your sexual violence incident.
Schedule A Free, Confidential Consultation With Compassionate New York City Sexual Abuse Attorneys Today
After experiencing sexual abuse, it’s common for victims to experience pain, suffering, and emotional distress, and pursuing legal action can be overwhelming. Retaining professional legal counsel to advocate for you can ease some of this mental burden and allow you to focus on healing while your legal team fights for justice.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we will help you pursue justice and financial recovery for the abuse you endured with compassion, sincerity, and decency. While no successful legal case or financial recovery can truly undo the harm sexual abuse causes, we hope to help you get back on your feet and breathe a little easier again.
Call 866-311-8640 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free, confidential consultation at our New York office.
CONTACT US TODAY
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
