New Jersey Sex Abuse Attorneys
What Is Considered Sexual Abuse?
According to New Jersey law, sexual abuse encompasses a range of behaviors that involve non-consensual sexual contact or exploitation:
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault includes various forms of non-consensual sexual contact, such as penetration, touching of intimate body parts, or forcing someone to engage in sexual acts against their will. New Jersey recognizes different degrees of sexual assault, including first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, and fourth-degree sexual assault, with varying levels of severity and potential penalties.
- Child Sexual Abuse: Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual act or exploitation involving a child. It includes behaviors such as sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, or any sexual contact with a minor who is unable to give informed consent due to age.
- Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation involves the manipulation, coercion, or abuse of another person for sexual purposes. It can include activities such as sex trafficking, engaging in pornography without consent, or profiting from the sexual exploitation of others.
- Statutory Rape: Statutory rape refers to sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent, even if the minor may have initially appeared to consent to the sexual activity. In New Jersey, the age of consent is generally 16, but there are exceptions and additional provisions based on the age difference between the parties involved.
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, it is crucial to report the incident to law enforcement and seek the support of professionals, such as victim advocates and counselors, who can help guide you through the legal process and provide necessary assistance.
Legal Update: Change to Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations, Effective December 1, 2019
A new law (S-477) set to take effect in New Jersey on December 1, 2019 will enable victims of sexual abuse in the state to pursue civil lawsuits against their perpetrators for sexual abuse that was committed years earlier. Until now, victims of sexual abuse were precluded from bringing actions against their abusers because of the constraints of the civil statute of limitations. The legislation gives survivors the opportunity to redress the abuse that they suffered. The highlights of the new law include the following:
- Victims who were previously barred by the statute of limitations may now file lawsuits for damages against their abusers and the institutions that fostered or concealed the abuse for two years. This applies to allegations of either adult or child sexual abuse.
- Any individual under the age of 18 can file an action within two years of the law’s effective date.
- Sexual abuse victims that miss the “two-year window” are permitted to sue their perpetrators until they turn 55 years of age.
- Victims who are 55 years or older may still file an action within seven years of recognizing that they were injured by sexual abuse.
S-477 was signed into law by the Governor of New Jersey on March 13, 2019. Similar legislation has been passed in 11 states as of May 2019, and several other states are considering comparable reform. The legislation follows the announcement that New Jersey’s five Roman Catholic dioceses revealed the identity of 188 priests accused of abusing minors, thereby prompting the creation of a victim’s compensation fund.
New Jersey Independent Victim Compensation Program
The New Jersey Independent Victim Compensation (IVC) program established by New Jersey’s five Catholic dioceses began accepting claims from victims of sexual abuse on June 15, 2019. The IVC program was designed to compensate individuals who were sexually abused as children or young adults by diocesan priests of the Roman Catholic dioceses of Newark, Paterson, Metuchen, Trenton and Camden. The fund compensates victims for abuse in churches and schools that largely occurred decades ago. Compensation through the fund comes directly and exclusively from the Church’s finances.
The IVC program is administered by Kenneth R. Feinberg and Camille S. Biros, compensation experts who have been instrumental in administering other high-profile compensation programs for victims of the Catholic dioceses and 9/11. The IVC program, like its predecessors, is viewed by many as an effective alternative to litigation. It allows victims to handle their claims in an efficient manner and mandates a lower standard of proof than would be required in a courtroom. Moreover, the church is prohibited from challenging any compensation decisions made by the administrators including determinations of eligibility and compensation amounts. Sexual abuse victims sign a release agreeing not to bring future litigation only if they accept the award offered by the IVC fund. The IVC program will end on December 31, 2019.
Levy Konigsberg LLP is a nationally recognized law firm that has handled all types of negligence cases for more than three decades. If you or a member of your family has been the victim of sexual abuse, please contact our lawyers for a free consultation by calling (800) 315-3806 or submit an email inquiry.
Find out whether you have a case by speaking to one of our experienced lawyers via our 24/7 toll-free hotline or by submitting an email inquiry. Our attorneys will be quick to respond to you and happy to answer all of your questions.
Know the Difference
Committed to Doing What's Right-
Over $3 Billion Won
We have represented numerous individuals and groups of workers, winning for them multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts.
-
There's No Case Too Big
Our team has achieved groundbreaking victories in highly complex cases and has gone up against some of the toughest defendants in the country.
-
Trial Attorneys
Our attorneys excel in the courtroom and are not afraid to bring a case in front of a jury if a fair settlement for the client has not been reached.
-
A Thought Leader in the Industry
Our firm's knowledge and experience are in high demand, and many news outlets have asked us to share our legal expertise.
-
Access to World Class Resources
Our experienced attorneys use cutting-edge technology and highly regarded experts to help us achieve the best possible result for our clients.
-
Changing the World for Good
We not only want to achieve the best possible results for our clients, but we also strive to prevent future harm by changing public health policies.
Thousands of Clients Helped
Hear What They Have to Say-
Professional, responsive and very good at their jobs.
- Lisa Ross -
They have truly gone above and beyond.
- Anne Fahey -
I put my Faith and Trust into Corey Stern!
- Dennis McGowan -
With this team on my side we came out on top.
- Angie Garrido -
Very happy with our settlement.
- Lori Rosa -
Wow is all I can say.
- Carol N. -
Their dedication to receive the highest results for their clients was amazing.
- Emily DeRogatis -
Such a great team!
- Kevin Kober -
We definitely got the right law firm!
- Mark Wells -
Levy Konigsberg continued to help my family fight for the justice my father deserves.
- Stephanie Vitale
Our Blog
-
13 Survivors File Good Shepherd Services Sex Abuse Lawsuit, Represented by Levy KonigsbergView Article
- Sexual Abuse,
- Firm News
-
63 Men and Women File Maryland Juvenile Detention Sex Abuse Lawsuit, Represented by Levy KonigsbergView Article
- Sexual Abuse,
- Firm News
-
50 Men File New Jersey Training School Sex Abuse Lawsuit, Represented by Levy KonigsbergView Article
- Sexual Abuse,
- Firm News