New York Correctional Officer Sexual Abuse Lawyer

The problem of correctional officers sexually abusing inmates is not a new one. There have been many instances over the years of inmates reporting abuse. While correctional officers have been fired and prosecuted for victimizing inmates, there is evidence that the majority of abuse was unpunished. However, times have changed. With the passing of the Adult Survivors Act on May 24, 2022, victims of sexual abuse by correctional officers now have a chance to seek justice, even if the abuse occurred many years ago and the statute of limitation has expired. If you were sexually assaulted by a correctional officer, contact an experienced New York correctional officer sexual abuse lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates. With over 20 years of experience successfully representing victims of abuse, we are here help you pursue compensation from your abuser.

Rape and other sex offenses are criminal acts and perpetrators should be criminally prosecuted. However, even if perpetrators are not criminally charged, they can still be sued in civil court in a personal jury claim. Historically, there have been barriers to inmates who were sexually abused by correctional officers receiving justice through civil claims.

• Victims are traumatized. In some cases they are unable to report the abuse for years after it happened. Sexual abuse can take a long time to process.
• Victims fear retaliation. There have been cases were the cells of inmates who report abuse were searched and trashed. There have even been instances where the sexually abuse increased after it was reported.
• Victims are not believed. Victims are often discredited solely because of their status of being inmates.

With the 2022 Adult Survivors Act, victims get a second change to pursue justice. The law applies to cases of sexual abuse where the statute of limitations has expired. Signed on May 24, 2022, the law provides for a one year window during which victims can file civil lawsuits against their abusers. The window opens on November 24, 2022 and closes on November 23, 2023. If you or someone you know was abused by a correctional officer, immediately contact an experienced New York correctional officer sexual abuse lawyer. If you wait too long, you may miss the deadline and you will forever barred from being able to recover compensation.

Although sex offenses are crimes prohibited by N.Y. Pen. Law § 130 et seq., victims can pursue civil lawsuits regardless of whether the perpetrators were criminally prosecuted. Victims can demand compensation from not only the abuser, but also anyone who protected the abuser. In fact, many victims sue the Department of Corrections and many prison officials based on a theory that they knew or should have known about the abuse.

While compensation may be awarded for physical injuries, substantial compensation tends to be awarded for the following:

• The emotional trauma of the sexual abuse and the painful, long-term memory of it
• Physical scars left from the abuse
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

In addition, because of the heinous nature of correctional officer sexually assaulting an inmate, the victim may be awarded a substantial sum for punitive damages. To learn more about the compensation to which you might be entitled, discuss your case with an experienced correctional officer sexual abuse attorney in New York.

If you were sexually abused by the correctional officers, a prison volunteer, or other prison staff member while you were incarcerated, you have the right to sue the person who abused you and demand substantial compensation. Under the Adult Survivor Act, the window to file your claim is just one year beginning on November 24, 2022 and ending on November 23, 2023. Contact an experienced correctional officer sexual abuse attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Long Island, and Westchester County.