Justice for Childhood Abuse Victims In New York - The Law Office of Reuven Epstein

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Child Victims Act into law. Victims and survivors of childhood sexual assault, including incest and related offenses, are now able to bring civil claims against abusers, public institutions and private institutions for injuries until they are 55 years of age. Before the law was signed, victims could sue their abusers up to the age of 23. The law also includes a ‘look-back window’ for adult victims who were previously banned from by the statute of limitations to sue during a one year period. Victims are now able to seek felony criminal charges until their 28^th birthday and have until their 25^th birthday for misdemeanor charges. Criminally, the bill gives law enforcement more time to file charges against abusers.

Abuse is considered injury by other than accidental means causing death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health; deliberate indifference causing such injury; creating substantial risk of such injury; sexual abuse or permitting sexual criminal behavior. The psychological ramifications of childhood abuse are severe and may last a lifetime. Statistics demonstrate that:

One third of abused children will eventually victimize their own children.
80% of abused children meet the diagnostic criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder at age 21 (including but not limited to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders).
Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy.
Abused teens are three times less likely to practice safe sex.
14.4% of all men imprisoned in the United States were abused as children.
36.7% of all women in prison were abused as children.
Children who have been sexually abused are 2.5 times more likely to develop alcohol abuse.
Children who have been sexually abused are 3.8 times more likely to develop drug addictions.

The Law Office of Reuven Epstein is committed to helping victims of sexual abuse and their families gain the necessary confidence and strength to confront the responsible parties and hold them accountable. We understand that the emotional and psychological injuries suffered by sexual abuse victims, especially those victims who are too young to fully comprehend what has happened to them, can last for decades and impact every area of their life. We are passionate about protecting the rights of every victim of childhood or adult sexual abuse and will use every resource at our disposal to help victims get justice and obtain compensation from those responsible. If you think that you or someone you love has been a victim of childhood abuse, it is vital to get the services of an attorney who has the skills and experience to provide the most effective legal representation available. If you or a loved one has been a victim of abuse, contact the personal injury lawyers at The Law Office of Reuven Epstein. We have over 36 years of experience in handling all types of personal injury cases. Call us at (845) 208-2444 or email at or reuven@rocklandinjurylaw.com.