Civil Legal Options for Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape in New York

Brian Magnosi | Abuse Awareness,Sexual Assault | August 28, 2025

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse and rape, please know this: you are not alone, and your voice matters. I’m Michele Mirman, a personal injury attorney with decades of experience fighting for survivors across New York. I know how deeply these wounds can affect you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The trauma doesn’t vanish when the assault ends, and neither should your ability to seek justice.

While criminal prosecution is one avenue, many survivors find empowerment and accountability through civil litigation. Whether the abuse occurred when you were a child or an adult, New York has passed powerful laws to help you pursue compensation and healing. In this article, I’ll guide you through the civil legal options available to survivors of sexual abuse and rape, and how you can take the next step toward justice. New York’s Adult and Child Victims Acts

Understanding Civil Lawsuits for Sexual Abuse and Rape Survivors

Civil lawsuits are not about putting someone in prison. They’re about reclaiming your power. A civil case allows you to seek financial compensation for what you’ve endured—both tangible losses and emotional harm.

What Can Be Recovered in a Civil Case?

Survivors of sexual abuse and rape may be entitled to damages for:

  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Medical and therapy expenses
  • Loss of income or diminished earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Punitive damages for egregious misconduct

Critically, these lawsuits can also expose individuals and institutions that enabled abuse, helping prevent future harm to others.

The Child Victims Act (CVA): Justice for Childhood Abuse Survivors

The Child Victims Act (CVA) was a turning point in New York’s legal system. Signed into law in 2019, it finally gave adult survivors of childhood abuse the legal right to hold their abusers accountable.

Key Provisions of the CVA

  • Survivors – those who suffered sexual abuse when they were under the age of 18— have the right to file civil lawsuits until they turn 55 years old
  • Allows claims against both individuals and institutions like schools, churches, and youth organizations

Many of my clients who were once silenced as children are now taking their first brave step toward justice through this law.

Adult Survivors of Sexual Abuse: A Path for Adult Victims of Sexual Abuse

In 2022, the New York State law was amended to extend rights to survivors of abuse that occurred when they were 18 or older. Adults — those who were 18 years and over when they were sexually abused — have a 20-year statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit. 

Filing a Civil Sexual Abuse Claim in New York

Taking legal action can feel overwhelming—especially after something as devastating as sexual abuse and rape. But with the right attorney, the process becomes empowering.

What to Expect When You File a Claim

  1. Confidential Consultation: You’ll speak with one of our attorneys in a safe, judgment-free setting.
  2. Case Review: We’ll investigate the facts, identify potential defendants, and determine legal eligibility.
  3. Legal Support: From filing paperwork to court appearances, our firm handles every detail—so you don’t have to relive the trauma alone.

You are always in control of your story. Many survivors choose to file anonymously using initials or pseudonyms to protect their identity.

Why Civil Lawsuits Matter for Healing and Accountability

Some survivors feel conflicted about taking legal action. They ask: “Will this help me heal?” While no lawsuit can undo the past, civil claims do offer an opportunity to:

  • Hold abusers and enablers accountable
  • Gain financial support for therapy and recovery
  • Inspire other survivors to come forward
  • Regain a sense of control that abuse tried to take away

Justice Is Not One-Size-Fits-All

At Mirman, Markovits & Landau, we understand that every survivor’s healing journey is different. Some need closure. Others seek change. Many simply want to be heard.

Whatever your goal, we will stand by you—with fierce legal advocacy and heartfelt compassion.

How Our Firm Helps Survivors of Sexual Abuse and Rape

Our firm has spent years standing up for the rights of New Yorkers who have been physically, emotionally, and sexually harmed. We don’t just handle legal cases—we support you at your most vulnerable.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Confidentiality: Your privacy and dignity are always protected
  • Experience: We’ve handled thousands of personal injury cases across all five boroughs
  • Results: From six-figure settlements to multimillion-dollar verdicts, we fight to win
  • Respect: You are never just a case number. You are a person, and you matter

If you’re considering filing a civil claim for sexual abuse and rape, know this: we will believe in you, support you, and fight for you.

Get a free, no obligation case review

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Let’s Take the Next Step—Together

The law has changed. The doors to justice are open wider than they’ve ever been before. But those doors don’t open on their own—you have to take the first step.

If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse or rape, we invite you to schedule a free, confidential consultation with us at Mirman, Markovits & Landau, PC. You are under no obligation to move forward, and you’ll never be charged unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

📞 Call 212-227-4000 or visit mirmanlawyers.com today.


We’re here. We’re ready. And we’ll walk this path with you—every step of the way.