Sexual Assault and Abuse

For two decades, our sexual assault lawyers have represented victims of sexual abuse and assault in civil claims against abusers and institutions. We bring that experience, compassion and understanding to every matter.

Victims of sexual abuse and assault are faced with an incredibly difficult and often paralyzing reality. Especially for children, it often takes decades to understand and comprehend not only what has happened, but the devastating effect on their lives and mental health. Reporting the abuse or taking legal action is often not even a thought until long after the abuse occurred. The sexual assault lawyer team at Szaferman Lakind are here to help you seek justice and hold the abusers, and the institutions that harbored them, accountable for their acts.

New Jersey has most recently taken a step in the right direction for victims. With the passage of a new law, effective December 1, 2019, victims of sexual assault are now able to take action against their abusers many years after the assault occurred. The new law lifts the two-year statute of limitations for many victims who would have otherwise been time-barred. It also creates a refreshed two-year window for those who previously failed to file a timely lawsuit.

Sadly, sexual abuse can occur anywhere and can affect victims of all ages. We have succeeded on behalf of victims of sexual abuse against members of the clergy, ministers, rabbis and their respective religious institutions. We have also successfully recovered for our clients in claims against schools, camps, hospitals, youth organizations, nursing homes and victims’ employers. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of victims and we have helped to create lasting institutional change.

According to RAINN (the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network), 15% of sexual abuse and rape victims are below the age of 12, 93% of which know their abuser. Roughly 1 in 6 women and about 1 in 33 men will be assaulted in their lifetime. College age women are more at risk as they are 4 times more likely to be victims of sexual abuse than the rest of the population.

Regardless of whether the abuser is a family member, a friend, a notable community member, or a stranger, victims can suffer long past the actual incident. The devastating effects can have a negative impact on the quality of their life.

If you or a loved one have been sexually assaulted or abused, call us today for a free consultation. Our sexual assault lawyers are here to advocate for you.

Click here to view our success stories.