Hazing is often portrayed as a rite of passage—something all new members of teams, fraternities, or clubs must endure. But when hazing crosses the line into sexual abuse, it is no longer initiation—it is a serious violation of human rights. In New Jersey, survivors of hazing-related sexual abuse have legal options and the right to pursue justice.
At Survivors of Abuse NJ, we represent individuals who were sexually abused during hazing rituals at schools, universities, sports organizations, military programs, or other group environments. These acts often involve power imbalances, peer pressure, and institutional failure to act. If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault or harassment under the guise of hazing, we’re here to help.
What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in Hazing?
Sexual abuse during hazing can take many forms, including:
Forced nudity or sexual acts
Invasive touching or physical assault
Public humiliation with sexual undertones
Coerced participation in explicit behavior
Photographing or recording victims without consent
Physical restraint during sexual misconduct
Survivors often feel ashamed, afraid to speak out, or fear retaliation. Many are told to “toughen up” or warned not to ruin the organization’s reputation. But silence protects abusers—and our mission is to amplify the voices of survivors.
Where Hazing Sexual Abuse Occurs
These acts can occur in:
Fraternities and sororities
High school or college athletic teams
Military academies or service prep schools
Private schools or boarding programs
Campus-based clubs or organizations
Professional or semi-professional sports programs
Even when institutions are not directly involved in the abuse, they may still be held liable if they knew—or should have known—about a culture of hazing.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit in New Jersey
You have the right to seek justice. Even if no criminal charges are filed or if the abuse occurred years ago, New Jersey’s civil laws allow survivors to pursue financial compensation and accountability.
You may be entitled to recover:
Costs of medical care and therapy
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
Loss of educational or career opportunities
Damages for long-term psychological harm
Punitive damages against schools or organizations that ignored abuse
We conduct independent investigations and work with mental health experts and advocacy groups to build strong, survivor-focused cases.
Who May Be Held Liable
Individuals who committed the abuse
School districts, colleges, or universities
Fraternity or team leadership
Coaches, advisors, or administrators who failed to intervene
National organizations that ignored systemic hazing
These entities may be responsible for not preventing or responding to sexual abuse during hazing.
Why Choose Survivors of Abuse NJ
Experienced hazing and sexual abuse litigators
Survivor-focused, trauma-informed representation
No fees unless we win your case
Private consultations with full confidentiality
If you’ve experienced hazing-related sexual abuse, we’re here to help you reclaim your story and pursue justice.
