For many, religious institutions represent a place of safety, trust, and guidance. But for others, these same places have been the site of deeply traumatic abuse. In New York, numerous survivors have come forward to share how clergy members—priests, ministers, youth leaders, and other religious figures—used their authority to commit acts of sexual abuse.
At Survivors of Abuse NY, we help survivors of clergy sexual in NY abuse take legal action against individuals and institutions that allowed this abuse to happen. If you were abused by a clergy member in a church, parish, religious school, or spiritual program, our attorneys are here to support your path to justice.
How Clergy Abuse Often Occurs
Clergy members often hold respected roles and access to vulnerable populations. Abuse may involve:
Sexual touching or inappropriate behavior
Grooming disguised as spiritual mentorship
Private or unsupervised “counseling” sessions
Abuse during religious retreats or overnight stays
Emotional manipulation and threats of spiritual harm
Many survivors were children or young adults when the abuse occurred—and some faced retaliation, disbelief, or silence when they tried to report it.
Can Churches Be Held Legally Responsible?
Yes. Civil lawsuits can be filed against both the abuser and the religious organization that protected or ignored misconduct. You may be able to sue:
A diocese, parish, or archdiocese
Religious orders or church leadership
Faith-based schools, camps, or missions
Supervisors who transferred or reinstated accused clergy
Even if your abuse occurred decades ago, New York’s Child Victims Act has extended the timeframe for legal action.
Recoverable Damages in a Civil Claim
Survivors may receive compensation for:
Therapy and long-term mental health care
Emotional trauma and distress
Loss of quality of life, trust, or faith
Career or education setbacks
Punitive damages for institutional cover-ups
