Religious institutions are expected to provide guidance, community, and moral leadership—but when clergy members use their position to commit sexual abuse, the damage is deep and lasting. In New York, thousands have come forward with claims against priests and church officials across numerous faiths.
At Survivors of Abuse NY, we advocate for survivors of clergy sexual abuse and help them pursue justice through civil courts. Whether you were abused as a child or as an adult, recent changes to New York law may give you an opportunity to hold your abuser—and the enabling institution—accountable.
Examples of Clergy Sexual Abuse
Abuse may occur during:
One-on-one religious instruction
Confession or spiritual counseling
Church-sponsored youth retreats or overnight events
Private meetings with pastors or religious mentors
Situations where faith is used to manipulate or coerce
Abuse may be compounded by shame, guilt, or fear instilled by the church itself.
Legal Pathways for Survivors
Civil lawsuits allow survivors to:
Seek financial compensation
Expose institutional negligence or cover-ups
Force change within religious organizations
Reclaim personal agency and accountability
New York’s Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act extend legal deadlines for filing NY clergy sexual abuse lawsuits.
What Our Firm Offers
Extensive experience in clergy abuse litigation
Survivor-centered, trauma-informed legal team
No fee unless we secure compensation for you
Nationwide resources and support, based in New York
