Victims of Sexual Abuse Deserve Compensation

Over the past few years, victims of sexual abuse have found the courage to come out and speak against their abusers and hold them accountable for their heinous acts. Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual conduct, contact, intimidation or grooming of an individual under the age of 18. Sexual predators are often someone the child knows, whether a friend, family member, or an employee of a community, organization or school.

A child’s mentor shapes the future of that child’s life. It may be hard to accept that such an individual may take advantage of a young child, however it is an unfortunate fact that some individuals of power use their position to commit these acts. Self-report studies show that roughly 20% of youths under 18 have been sexually victimized.

Recently, the Boy Scouts of America and local Clergies were found liable for years of covering up sexual abuse cases. These individuals involved were found guilty and sentenced to prison and monetary compensation was given to the victims.

Boy Scouts of America and Clerical Sexual Abuse

Organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Clergy have come forward and confessed to hiding cases of sexually abusing children. In response to this, New York State has extended the statute of limitations for cases to come forward. The Child Victims Act (CVA) extends the statute of limitations for a survivor of child sexual abuse in civil cases in New York and Long Island. The CVA allows for survivors of sexual abuse to file a claim up to the age of 55 years old. You now have an extended opportunity to file a claim against either a private or public institution for failing to act in preventing the abuse or failing to discipline an employee.

Civil cases often include seeking compensation for the physical and emotional injuries you or your child suffered. Some of these injuries can take the form of a physical injury to the body or take the form of mental anguish such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety or Depression.

Confronting your abusers

It is important that during this process you remember that as a victim, you have the right to confront your abuser. After years of dealing with the mental anguish, a victim may find solace in receiving monetary compensation for their injuries. If you are a victim or suspect that your child is the victim of sexual abuse, it is critical that you immediately report it to law enforcement. You should also consult with an experienced and caring New York child sexual abuse attorney. If you wish to learn more about what The Licatesi Law Group may do for you, please call 516-227-2662 to speak with one of our highly experienced attorneys. If you wish to set up a free consultation, please contact our offices either in Uniondale or Brooklyn and we will be happy to speak with you.