Child Sexual Abuse

Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C. Stands With Survivors

At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we have dedicated our careers to helping survivors of child sexual abuse in New York seek justice, accountability, and healing. For far too long, survivors were denied their day in court because of unfairly short statutes of limitations. The passage of the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA) changed that, giving survivors the power to file lawsuits against both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them.

We know these cases are not only about money—they are about truth, dignity, and protecting others from suffering the same trauma. Our mission is to give survivors and their families a strong, compassionate voice in the legal system.

What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse Under NY Law?

In New York, child sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of conduct including sexual assault, molestation, rape, inappropriate touching, grooming, and exploitation. Abuse can occur in schools, churches, foster care, sports programs, medical settings, or even within families.

The legal definition often ties into New York Penal Law, which criminalizes sexual misconduct with anyone under the age of 18, and imposes heightened penalties where the victim is under 13. While criminal law focuses on punishment, civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek financial compensation and accountability.

What Is Considered Child Sexual Abuse Under NY Law?

Why Survivors File Civil Lawsuits

Survivors of child sexual abuse file civil lawsuits for several reasons:

To hold institutions like schools, churches, and youth organizations accountable.
To obtain compensation for therapy, medical bills, and long-term emotional suffering.
To send a message that negligence and cover-ups will not be tolerated.
To reclaim their voice and their power after years of silence.

Contact Steven Gacovino Today!

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The Child Victims Act (CVA) – A Lifeline for Survivors

Key Provisions of the CVA

The Child Victims Act, signed into law on February 14, 2019, expanded the statute of limitations for civil and criminal actions involving child sexual abuse.

Civil Statute of Limitations (CPLR §214-g):

Survivors can file civil lawsuits until their 55th birthday.
Applies to claims against both individual abusers and institutions.
Created a temporary “look-back window” to revive previously expired claims (this window closed in August 2021).

Criminal Statute of Limitations (CPL §130.96 et seq.):

Prosecution is possible until the survivor turns 28 (for certain felony offenses).
For Class A felonies, there is no statute of limitations.

Who Can File Under the CVA?

Any survivor of childhood sexual abuse under 18 at the time of the abuse.
Parents or guardians may bring claims on behalf of children.
Claims against institutions (churches, schools, camps, medical organizations, foster agencies, etc.) are allowed, even if the abuser is deceased or unknown.

The Adult Survivors Act (ASA)

The Adult Survivors Act, effective May 24, 2022, addressed abuse that occurred when the survivor was 18 or older.

Key Provisions of ASA (CPLR §214-j):

One-year look-back window from Nov 24, 2022 – Nov 24, 2023.
Allowed survivors of sexual assault as adults to sue regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Applied against both individual perpetrators and institutions.
Granted trial preference for these actions.

While the ASA revival window is now closed, claims continue to proceed in New York courts, and the law has paved the way for hundreds of survivors to hold wrongdoers accountable.

Potential Recovery for Child Sex Abuse Survivors

When you file a civil lawsuit for child sexual abuse in New York, you may be entitled to recover:

Economic Damages: medical bills, counseling, therapy, medications, lost wages, loss of future income.
Non-Economic Damages: pain and suffering, emotional trauma, PTSD, loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: additional damages designed to punish egregious misconduct by abusers or negligent institutions.
Attorney’s Fees and Costs: in many cases, the court may order defendants to pay your legal fees.

New York juries have awarded multi-million-dollar settlements in sexual abuse cases, especially where institutions knowingly ignored or covered up abuse

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Why Choose Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C.?

When you search for a child sexual abuse lawyer in New York, you’ll find many names—but few firms offer the same combination of compassion, experience, and proven results as we do.

Here’s why survivors choose us:

Exclusive Focus on Abuse Litigation: We have dedicated teams handling cases under the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act.
Trauma-Informed Representation: We approach every client with care and sensitivity. You are in control of your story.
Institutional Accountability: We do not shy away from lawsuits against powerful entities like schools, churches, or youth organizations.
Proven Track Record: We have recovered significant settlements for survivors across New York.
Contingency Fee Guarantee: You pay nothing unless we win.

The Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Process – What to Expect

Step 1: Confidential Consultation

We begin with a free, confidential consultation where you can share your story safely.

Step 2: Case Investigation

We gather records, witness testimony, expert evaluations, and institutional histories.

Step 3: Filing the Complaint

We draft and file a civil lawsuit in New York courts under CPLR provisions.

Step 4: Discovery Phase

Through depositions and subpoenas, we uncover internal documents and evidence that institutions often try to hide.

Step 5: Settlement or Trial

Many cases resolve in settlement, but we are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Our Commitment to Survivors

At the Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C., we do more than file lawsuits—we stand with survivors in their journey toward justice. We understand the courage it takes to come forward. We are committed to:

Believing survivors.
Fighting tirelessly in court.
Seeking maximum compensation.

Holding wrongdoers accountable.

Why Choose Law Offices of Steven Gacovino, P.C.?

When you search for a child sexual abuse lawyer in New York, you’ll find many names—but few firms offer the same combination of compassion, experience, and proven results as we do.

Here’s why survivors choose us:

Exclusive Focus on Abuse Litigation: We have dedicated teams handling cases under the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act.
Trauma-Informed Representation: We approach every client with care and sensitivity. You are in control of your story.
Institutional Accountability: We do not shy away from lawsuits against powerful entities like schools, churches, or youth organizations.
Proven Track Record: We have recovered significant settlements for survivors across New York.

Contingency Fee Guarantee: You pay nothing unless we win.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1: Can I sue if the abuse happened decades ago?
Yes. Under the Child Victims Act, you can file a lawsuit until your 55th birthday.

2: Can I sue a school or church?
Yes. Institutions that negligently enabled abuse can be held financially liable.

3: Do I need proof?
Direct evidence isn’t always necessary. Courts allow testimony, circumstantial evidence, and expert witnesses to establish claims.

4: How much compensation can I expect?
Each case is different, but many survivors in New York have received settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

5: Will my case be public?
You may request confidentiality. Many cases are filed under pseudonyms such as “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.”