Understanding the Adult Survivors Act & Child Victims Act in New York
Your Rights as a Survivor of Sexual Abuse in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and Across New York State
Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating violations a person can endure. For decades, New York law created barriers for survivors, limiting the time they had to come forward and making justice nearly impossible for many. Today, that has changed.
Thanks to two landmark pieces of legislation—the Child Victims Act (CVA) and the Adult Survivors Act (ASA)—thousands of survivors throughout New York now have the right to file civil lawsuits, even if the abuse happened decades ago.
At Michael F. Rubin Law Group, we represent survivors of sexual abuse across New York City, Long Island, Westchester, and throughout the entire state of New York. Led by former Bronx Special Victims Prosecutor Michael Rubin, our team combines decades of experience with trauma-informed legal advocacy to help survivors pursue justice and accountability on their terms.
What Is the Child Victims Act (CVA)?
Enacted in 2019, the Child Victims Act created new opportunities for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward and seek civil justice—even if their time to sue had previously expired.
Key Provisions:
- Extended the time to file a civil lawsuit until age 55.
- Allowed survivors to bring criminal charges until age 28 for felonies and 25 for misdemeanors.
- Created a special two-year “lookback window” (from Aug 14, 2019 to Aug 14, 2021) during which survivors could sue regardless of age or how long ago the abuse occurred.
Tens of thousands of lawsuits were filed under the CVA against abusers and the institutions that harbored them—schools, churches, youth programs, foster agencies, and more.
What Is the Adult Survivors Act (ASA)?
Inspired by the success of the CVA and the national reckoning brought on by the #MeToo movement, the Adult Survivors Act was signed into law in May 2022. It extended similar rights to those who were 18 or older at the time of the abuse.
ASA Overview:
- Opened a one-year “lookback window” from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023.
- Gave adult survivors the right to file civil claims, even if the statute of limitations had previously run out.
- Applied to abuse in any setting: workplace, medical, religious, corrections, educational, etc.
More than 3,000 lawsuits were filed under the ASA, including claims against high-profile defendants and large institutions.
What If the ASA Window Has Closed?
If you missed the ASA deadline, you may still have legal options.
Some survivors are eligible to sue under:
- Other state statutes, such as workplace harassment or negligence.
- The discovery rule, if you only recently connected the abuse to long-term trauma.
- Ongoing abuse or incidents that occurred within New York’s standard civil statute of limitations.
- Claims under other torts such as intentional infliction of emotional distress or fraudulent concealment by institutions.
At Rubin Law, we will examine every aspect of your experience and fight to find a viable legal path forward—because we believe no one should be denied justice because of an arbitrary deadline.
Who Can Be Held Responsible?
Civil lawsuits can be filed against:
- The individual perpetrator
- Religious institutions (dioceses, yeshivas, etc.)
- Public and private schools, including staff and administrators
- Employers, if the abuser was a coworker or supervisor
- Medical facilities and mental health professionals
- Prisons, jails, or government agencies that failed to protect or intervene
The CVA and ASA allow claims not only against the person who committed the abuse but also against any institution that enabled it, ignored warning signs, or actively covered it up.
What You Can Recover in a Civil Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Sexual abuse has long-term emotional, psychological, and financial consequences. A civil lawsuit allows survivors to seek monetary compensation for:
- Past and future mental health treatment
- Medical bills and physical trauma
- Lost wages or career damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages for gross negligence or intentional misconduct
There is no cap on the damages that can be awarded in New York for sexual abuse cases.
Anonymous Filing – Yes, It’s Possible
Many survivors are understandably concerned about privacy. New York courts allow survivors to file anonymously in most cases—under a pseudonym like “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.”
We will handle all filings discreetly and can request that the court seal identifying details. Your identity, your pace, your decision.
How Long Do I Have to File?
While the CVA and ASA provided broad windows for justice, time limits still exist:
- Under the CVA, survivors can sue until age 55.
- Under standard New York law, adult survivors may have 3 years to file, depending on the nature of the claim.
- In cases involving fraud, concealment, or ongoing harm, exceptions may apply.
It’s best to speak with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
How We Help Survivors at Rubin Law
We understand that contacting a law firm can be overwhelming. At Michael F. Rubin Law Group, we’ve structured our entire practice around supporting survivors with compassion and care.
Here’s what to expect:
- Free, confidential consultation
Speak directly with an experienced attorney—no pressure, no obligation. - Trauma-informed legal review
We’ll listen to your story with care and explain all available options clearly. - Full-service litigation support
From investigations to filing to settlement or trial, we handle everything—so you can focus on healing. - No legal fees unless we win
You don’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.
Real Cases, Real Justice
Since the passage of the CVA and ASA, Rubin Law has evaluated and pursued claims for:
- Abuse by clergy in Brooklyn, Queens, and upstate parishes
- Survivors from public school districts in Long Island and the Bronx
- Clients who suffered military sexual trauma
- Women assaulted while incarcerated in NYC jails
- Clients of therapists and medical professionals who crossed boundaries
Our team understands the emotional weight of these cases—and we fight relentlessly to obtain justice for each and every client.
FAQs
Q: What if I never told anyone before?
A: That’s okay. Most survivors don’t speak out right away. The law recognizes this, and you can still have a strong case.
Q: What if I don’t remember everything?
A: Trauma affects memory. You do not need every detail to begin the process. We will help reconstruct the timeline.
Q: Can I still sue if the abuser has died?
A: Possibly. You may still have a valid claim against their estate or the institution that enabled them.
Q: Will I have to testify in court?
A: Most cases settle out of court. If your case goes to trial, we’ll protect your privacy and support you every step of the way.
We Serve Survivors Across New York
Our firm proudly represents clients in:
- New York City – Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island
- Long Island – Nassau and Suffolk Counties
- Westchester County – White Plains, Yonkers, New Rochelle
- Upstate NY – Albany, Syracuse, Buffalo, and surrounding areas
No matter where you are in the state, you deserve justice—and we are here to help.
Contact Michael F. Rubin Law Group
If you or someone you love is a survivor of sexual abuse, we are here to listen, support, and fight for you.
📞 Call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
💻 Or fill out our secure online form.
Michael F. Rubin Law Group – Trusted Advocacy for Survivors Statewide.
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