New York Child Victims Act

An Opportunity for Survivors

The New York Child Victims Act, like California AB 218 and other similar laws passed across the nation, created long-needed pathways to justice for those who were sexually abused as minors, but may have waited too long to step forward with their CVA claims.

As a law firm that has excelled in helping abuse survivors nationwide navigate their legal journeys, our team at The Zalkin Law Firm, LLP knows it is not uncommon for survivors to wait years or even decades before stepping forward.

This is due to many factors, including the personal battles survivors have within themselves, the difficulty of processing trauma that occurred in childhood, and the general atmosphere and scrutiny surrounding these sensitive cases.

Today’s current social climate, fortunately, is far different than what it once was. There now exists growing support for survivors and a growing sentiment that abusers and those who concealed abuse should be held accountable.

According to the New York State Senate, the Child Victims Act has allowed over 3,000 courageous survivors to step forward to seek justice. With the recent extension, that number is expected to rise significantly.

For many of the people who contact us about New York CVA claims, simply having their experience acknowledged in a private, confidential conversation is an important first step. We take time to listen to what happened, to answer initial questions about how the CVA works, and to talk through whether a civil claim may still be possible. Survivors are never pressured to make a decision on the spot, and some choose to sit with the information for a period of time before deciding what feels right for them.

How New York Child Victims Act Cases Typically Proceed

Many survivors want to know what will actually happen if they decide to pursue a claim. While every situation is different, CVA cases in New York generally follow a series of steps, beginning with a confidential intake and legal review and moving into investigation and filing if a claim appears viable. Understanding the broad outline of this process can make it feel more manageable and can help you decide whether you are ready to take the next step.

After an initial consultation, we typically gather background information about where and when the abuse occurred, what institutions were involved, and whether there are potential witnesses or documents that might still exist. For New York Child Victims Act cases, this may include requesting school records, church documents, youth program files, or prior complaint information, as well as reviewing any prior reports made to law enforcement or to state agencies. We move at a pace that takes your emotional needs into account while still protecting important legal rights and deadlines.

Once we have enough information, a civil complaint is prepared and filed in the appropriate New York trial court, which is often the Supreme Court in the county where the abuse occurred or where an institution is located. From there, the case enters the discovery phase, where both sides exchange information, conduct depositions, and prepare for potential settlement discussions or trial. Throughout this process, we focus on minimizing unnecessary contact between survivors and defendants, preparing clients carefully for any testimony, and keeping communication clear so there are no surprises.