WERE YOU SEXUALLY ABUSED BY POLICE OFFICERS?
You May Be Entitled To Substantial Compensation
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SEXUAL ASSAULT BY POLICE
Nationwide Representation for Victims of Sexual Assault and Abuse by Law Enforcement
A recent news report detailing a shocking abuse of power by New York City police officers sparked a new law stating that sex between a police officer and an individual in police custody is considered rape in the third degree. The law was passed following the arrest of two NYPD officers for rape, sexual assault, and kidnapping.
The officers had sex in the back of a police van with an 18-year-old woman who was charged with marijuana possession. The charges were later dropped and the officers were charged with lesser crimes. At the time of the incident, it was not a crime for an officer to have sex with an individual in his custody.
Were you sexually abused?
Police Sexual Misconduct: A Systemic Issue
While this story of sexual abuse prompted widespread outrage, research on police sexual misconduct reveals that sexual assault by law enforcement officers is a systemic issue.
According to a 2015 investigation, an officer is accused of sexual misconduct at least every five days. In 60 percent of these cases, an officer was convicted of a crime or faced other repercussions.
Another study funded by the National Institute of Justice revealed that in more than 6,700 officer arrests for sexual misconduct over a seven-year period, half of those arrests related to incidents involving minors.
When Police Officers Abuse Their Power
The public relies on police and law enforcement to provide protection and assistance. Law enforcement officers exercise tremendous power, and in some cases, they can abuse their authority. Police brutality and misconduct have been on the rise in recent years.
Regardless of whether you have been arrested or questioned in connection with a crime, police officers are not permitted to engage in conduct that is sexually abusive or inappropriate.
In situations where a law enforcement official has committed sexual harassment, fear and intimidation may prevent victims from reporting the conduct. Studies have shown that officers that engage in sexual misconduct often prey on weak women, such as survivors of domestic violence, or women who are not likely to be believed, such as drug users or those involved in sex trades.
Moreover, women who have been abused have nowhere to go to report the abuse other than other police officers- potential colleagues of the perpetrator.
Learn More About Your Rights & Legal Options
If you have been sexually abused by a law enforcement official, the perpetrator and the police department could be liable for failing to protect you while in police custody. The failure to properly respond to allegations of sexual misconduct by an officer could also impose liability on the officer’s employer.
Victims of sexual abuse can bring actions against their perpetrators and the institutions that protected them under new laws passed in New York, New Jersey and other states that extend the statute of limitations for a specified period of time.
We specialize in sexual abuse lawsuits against powerful institutions. These include government entities (such as prisons, schools, and juvenile detention / juvenile treatment centers), technology companies, and clergy.
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We work on contingency, which means there’s no cost to hire and no fee unless we win.
Who Can You Sue in a Sex Abuse Civil Case?
In a sex abuse civil case, the parties you might sue can vary depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the relationships involved.
Some potential parties that could be sued in a sex abuse civil case include:
- Individual Perpetrator: The alleged perpetrator of the sexual abuse can be named as a defendant in the lawsuit. This is often the person who directly committed the abusive acts.
- Institutions and Organizations: If the abuse occurred within an institution or organization, such as a school, church, sports club, or workplace, and they failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address the abuse, they might also be held liable.
- Employers: If the perpetrator was an employee of an organization or institution, the employer might be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employee if the abuse occurred within the scope of their employment.
- Property Owners: If the abuse occurred on a property owned by someone else, and the property owner failed to provide adequate security or take reasonable steps to prevent the abuse, they might be considered liable.
- Government Entities: In some cases, government entities might be involved, especially if the abuse occurred within a state institution or facility. Suing a government entity might involve specific procedures and limitations.
Sex abuse cases can be legally complex, so it's highly advisable to consult with experienced legal professionals who specialize in this area to understand your options and pursue the appropriate legal action. Levy Konigsberg, along with our team of sexual abuse lawyers, is available to provide assistance for your sexual abuse case.
Do I Have a Case?
You may have grounds to file a civil legal action if you were sexually abused by police officers.
As civil claims, these cases are separate from any criminal proceedings that may arise from abuse and focus instead on holding institutions liable for damages. This means you may still have a claim even if:
- Your abuser is no longer alive.
- Your abuser was never charged with or convicted of a crime.
Recoverable Damages in Sexual Abuse Claims
In addition to providing accountability and a sense of justice, civil sex abuse lawsuits allow survivors to recover financial compensation for their damages, which may include:
- Past medical and mental health expenses
- Future mental health expenses, including therapy, medications, etc.
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish and psychological harm
- Lost income
- Other economic and non-economic damages
We Represent Survivors in All Types of Sex Abuse Claims
Trust Levy Konigsberg's Legal Team for Proven Results in Sexual Abuse and Negligence Cases
Levy Konigsberg LLP, a nationally recognized law firm, has built a legacy over three decades, recovering over $3 billion in sexual abuse compensation for clients. Led by award-winning sexual abuse lawyers, we specialize in representing survivors in sexual abuse across the country, taking on powerful institutions. Our top-rated trial practice handles all types of sexual abuse or negligence cases, showcasing numerous testimonials and successful case results.