Institutional & Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Fighting for Survivors Across New York
Legal Support for Survivors in NYC, Long Island, Westchester & Beyond
Sexual abuse committed within trusted institutions is among the most devastating forms of harm. When the abuser is a clergy member, teacher, coach, or care provider, the trauma is compounded by betrayal and systemic silence. For decades, schools, religious organizations, foster programs, and correctional facilities have failed to protect vulnerable people—and in many cases, actively concealed abuse.
At Michael F. Rubin Law Group, we represent survivors of clergy and institutional abuse across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and every county in New York State. With more than 35 years of legal experience—including time as a Special Victims Prosecutor in the Bronx—Michael Rubin has the skill, compassion, and courage to hold powerful institutions accountable.
What Is Institutional Sexual Abuse?
Institutional abuse refers to sexual misconduct that occurs within organizations responsible for the care, supervision, or authority over others. This includes:
- Churches and religious orders
- Public and private schools
- Boarding schools and residential treatment centers
- Youth sports programs (e.g., gymnastics, football, wrestling)
- Summer camps and youth groups
- Foster care systems and group homes
- Juvenile detention centers and correctional facilities
- Healthcare and psychiatric institutions
In many cases, institutions had prior warnings or complaints and chose to protect the abuser instead of the victim. Some moved abusers to new locations, threatened victims into silence, or withheld key evidence—creating patterns of abuse that spanned decades.
Clergy Sexual Abuse in New York
New York has seen thousands of clergy sexual abuse lawsuits, particularly after the passage of the Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA). Major religious institutions—including the Catholic Church, Orthodox Jewish yeshivas, and Protestant denominations—have been named in suits involving:
- Abuse by priests, rabbis, pastors, and volunteers
- Systemic cover-ups and “quiet reassignments” of known abusers
- Threats and intimidation to keep victims silent
- Deeply ingrained cultures of shame and suppression
Survivors of clergy abuse often carry a lifelong burden of guilt, mistrust, and religious trauma. Our firm honors that reality. You will be heard. You will be believed. You will be supported.
Institutional Abuse in Schools and Camps
Many survivors were abused during childhood in environments that were supposed to nurture and educate them. We represent clients who were harmed in:
- Public and private K–12 schools
- Boarding schools and parochial institutions
- Special education or treatment programs
- Summer camps and sports leagues
Often, abusers in these settings held positions of power—as coaches, counselors, principals, or dorm supervisors—and used that authority to exploit children. In many cases, school officials failed to report abuse or actively concealed it from parents and law enforcement.
Abuse in Government-Run Facilities
Survivors have also come forward from within correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, mental health institutions, and public foster care systems. These are some of the most difficult—and most important—cases to prosecute.
Abuse in these settings is often systemic, involving:
- Repeated assaults by guards or staff
- Retaliation for reporting abuse
- Collusion among coworkers or supervisors
- Unreported injuries or destroyed records
At Rubin Law, we believe no institution is above accountability. We have the skill to investigate and litigate claims involving government liability, Title IX violations, and negligent hiring and supervision.
You May Still Have Time to File – Even If the Abuse Happened Years Ago
Thanks to the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act, many survivors have a renewed right to sue—even if the abuse happened decades ago.
Under Current NY Law:
- Survivors of childhood abuse can sue until age 55 (under CVA).
- ASA allowed adult survivors to sue during a special 1-year window (Nov 2022–Nov 2023).
- Other legal claims—like negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or failure to protect—may still be viable.
- Courts recognize the delayed disclosure of trauma, and some claims may qualify under the discovery rule.
Who Can Be Sued?
In civil sexual abuse cases, liability is not limited to the person who committed the act. You can also sue:
- The organization that employed or enabled the abuser
- Administrators or supervisors who ignored reports
- Foster care agencies or group homes
- School districts or religious orders
- Government agencies (under state tort claims acts)
We build every case with extensive documentation, expert testimony, and evidence of institutional failure. The goal is not only to recover compensation—but to expose wrongdoing and protect others.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Receive?
If you were sexually abused in an institutional setting, you may be entitled to significant financial damages for:
- Psychological trauma and PTSD
- Therapy and counseling expenses
- Medical treatment for physical injuries
- Loss of income or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct
Our firm works with medical experts, trauma specialists, and forensic economists to present a compelling case for maximum compensation.
Filing Anonymously
Worried about going public? You don’t have to be.
New York allows survivors to file under a pseudonym in most sexual abuse cases—especially those involving clergy or children. We will request court permission to file as Jane Doe or John Doe, and ensure your identity is protected throughout the legal process.
Why Choose Michael F. Rubin Law Group?
Michael Rubin is not just an experienced litigator—he is a former Bronx Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted sexual assault and child abuse cases in the Special Victims Bureau. He knows how abusers operate, how institutions cover it up, and how to take them down.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Over 35 years of experience
- Background in both prosecution and plaintiff litigation
- Deep knowledge of CVA and ASA laws
- Skilled at handling complex, high-profile, and sensitive cases
- Compassionate, trauma-informed advocacy
You will never be rushed, pressured, or dismissed. Our firm is here to support you through the legal process and help you regain control of your story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sue a church or religious group?
A: Yes. Religious institutions are often liable for failing to report or prevent abuse by clergy or staff members. We can file claims against both the individual abuser and the organization.
Q: What if the abuser has passed away?
A: You may still be able to sue their employer or institution. Some claims may also proceed against the abuser’s estate.
Q: I was abused as a child in the 1980s. Is it too late to file?
A: If you are under age 55, the CVA may still allow you to file a lawsuit. Other legal theories may also apply. Don’t assume it’s too late—ask.
Q: I was abused in jail. Can I sue the Department of Correction?
A: Yes. Government-run institutions can be held liable for abuse by employees or inmates if they failed to protect you.
Q: Will I have to face the abuser in court?
A: Most cases settle before trial. If you do need to testify, we will protect your privacy and provide support every step of the way.
We Serve Survivors Across New York State
We represent clients in:
- New York City: Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island
- Long Island: Nassau and Suffolk counties
- Westchester County: Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle
- Upstate NY: Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo
Whether the abuse occurred recently or decades ago, we will stand with you.
Contact Rubin Law – Free, Confidential Consultation
If you are a survivor of institutional or clergy sexual abuse in New York, now is the time to speak with a lawyer who understands and cares.
📞 Call today for a confidential consultation
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There is no cost to speak with us, and you pay nothing unless we win.