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New York Child Victims Act

10,000+ New York Child Victims Act cases have been filed.

Attorney Steve Boyd is leading the fight for survivors of sexual abuse. When the New York Adult Survivors Act was signed into law, Steve Boyd, PC, was the first firm in the Buffalo and Rochester area to earn the right to file sexual abuse cases without using a client’s real name. Attorney Steve Boyd handled 70% of the cases involving the Buffalo diocese and nearly 40% of the Rochester diocese. Our experienced attorneys are deeply committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse. We provide free case consultations and protect the confidentiality and dignity of each client. We continue to provide compassionate and highly experienced legal counsel to hundreds of survivors whose cases were filed before the August 14, 2021, deadline in New York State.

Our Process

The New York Child Victims Act gives hope to survivors of child sexual abuse and provides a legal avenue for prosecuting dangerous abusers. Cases against institutions such as churches, scouting organizations, foster care systems, camps, and other youth organizations make up 97 percent of cases in New York State. When a predator abuses a young person, and an institution enables the abuser, you deserve to have a highly qualified attorney to ensure justice for the survivor’s suffering. As a top-rated attorney fighting for survivors of sexual abuse, Steve Boyd is here to help.

Our legal team will:

  • Provide a free case review
  • Identify & preserve crucial evidence
  • Protect the privacy of the victim
  • Locate & interview key witnesses
  • Hold the perpetrator & institution accountable
  • Travel to you 

Results

$ Millions

recovered for survivors of school sexual abuse

Over 700

sexual abuse clients represented

Maintaining confidentiality is crucial in the attorney-client relationship, particularly for survivors of sexual abuse. Our trauma-informed team prioritizes the utmost confidentiality of every client’s information. We acknowledge the profound pain that survivors have gone through and are here to assist you in understanding your rights. We will not take any action on your behalf until you are ready. We are dedicated to safeguarding your identity and can file your case using pseudonyms such as John Doe or Jane Doe.

The Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in the U.S.

  • Every 68 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted
  • Every 9 minutes, a child is sexually assaulted
  • 93% of perpetrators are known to the victim
  • Only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators will go to prison
  • 55% of sexual assaults happen at or near the survivor’s home
  • Survivors are about 4x more likely to experience PTSD or abuse drugs
  • Female survivors are 2-4x more likely to attempt suicide
  • Male survivors are 4-11x more likely to attempt suicide
Priest Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Investigating Sexual Abuse Cases

Steve Boyd, PC, is a team of experienced attorneys specializing in sexual abuse cases in Buffalo, Rochester, and throughout New York State. They offer confidential investigations and help survivors prove their case. Some examples of supportive evidence include:

  • Personnel records
  • Witness testimony
  • Counseling records
  • Accounts of other survivors

FAQs on School Sexual Abuse 

When should I speak to a lawyer about a Child Victims Act case?
How much is my Child Victims Act case worth?

With 7,000 New York Child Victims Act cases already filed, and cases backed up by both the COVID pandemic restrictions and bankruptcy proceedings for institutions such as many Catholic diocese and Boy Scouts of America, most cases are still pending. To date, few cases have gone to trial, and settlements have varied. It takes an experienced attorney to know how to proceed with a claim for damages. Our free case evaluation can help determine the expected worth of your sexual abuse case.

How much does it cost to hire a Sex Abuse lawyer?

You don’t pay any legal fees until we win or settle your case. We review your case for free. When a settlement or verdict is reached, our legal fee is calculated as a percentage of the total amount recovered. If you call us today to schedule a consultation, it’s free.

News & Updates

  • Baltimore’s Archdiocese Attempts to Turn Its Back on Abuse Survivors. 

    Baltimore’s Archdiocese avoids litigation Last Friday, Baltimore’s Archdiocese took an aggressive step to protect its secrets, money, and assets. It filed for Chapter 11 in federal bankruptcy court to avoid litigation by potentially thousands of claims related to its failure to protect children from predator priests. The Archdiocese hopes this move will limit its liability…

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  • Largest Reported NY School Abuse Settlement—$3.5 Million for one survivor.

    A $3.5 Million sexual abuse settlement for one survivor was secured by attorney Leah Costanzo and the team at Steve Boyd, PC. Steve Boyd, PC, is proud to announce that partner Leah Costanzo represented four of the five plaintiffs who secured $8.4 million in settlements against the Cheektowaga Maryvale Union Free School District. Including the…

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