Hazing isn’t just a harmless bonding experience. For many students in New Jersey, hazing rituals involve coercion, violence, and sometimes even sexual abuse. When peers, team members, or group leaders exploit their power to commit sexual acts under the guise of initiation, it becomes a civil and criminal offense.
At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we support those who were sexually abused during hazing in school, sports, or other group settings. We help survivors file civil lawsuits to hold their abusers—and the institutions that enabled them—fully accountable under New Jersey law. Learn more here: https://survivorsofabusenj.com/hazing-sexual-abuse-lawyer-new-jersey
Examples of Sexual Abuse in Hazing
Forced sex acts or simulated sex in public
Group coercion or groping during “initiation”
Forced nudity, exposure, or masturbation
Photographing victims without consent
Invasive touching masked as part of a ritual
Hazing often involves power imbalance, silence, and fear. Many survivors are pressured to stay quiet to “protect the team” or avoid being labeled as weak. Our firm helps shift that narrative—and focus on the rights of the survivor.
Common Settings Where Hazing Abuse Occurs
Greek life organizations (fraternities/sororities)
High school and collegiate sports teams
ROTC and military prep schools
Private or boarding schools
Performing arts or cheer teams
Club sports and travel teams
Schools and institutions have a legal duty to supervise students and implement anti-hazing policies. When they don’t, they can and should be held accountable.
Filing a Civil Claim for Hazing Sexual Abuse
Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek damages for:
Mental health care and therapy
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Medical costs
Educational setbacks or forced withdrawal
Punitive damages for institutional negligence
Even if you were told the abuse was “your choice” or “part of the culture,” the law recognizes coercion and fear as abuse.
Liable Parties May Include:
Student perpetrators
Team captains, group leaders, or upperclassmen
Coaches or advisors who knew about hazing
School administrators who ignored reports
National organizations that failed to enforce policies
You are not alone—and we will work to uncover the full scope of responsibility.
Why Work With Our Legal Team
Years of experience in hazing and institutional abuse
LGBTQ+ inclusive and trauma-informed practices
No legal fees unless we secure a recovery
Total privacy and respect for your experience
