Survivors of Abuse NY announced the expansion of its statewide educational campaign addressing civil legal options for survivors of sexual abuse in New York, including Queens. The campaign, led by partner Thomas Guiffra, Esq., focuses on improving public understanding of survivors’ rights under state law and how civil litigation can be used to promote accountability within institutions and professional environments.

“Survivors deserve access to clear, reliable information about their rights and the processes available to them,” said Thomas Guiffra, Esq., partner at Survivors of Abuse NY. “By expanding this campaign, we aim to provide educational resources that explain how civil law supports both individual justice and institutional accountability.”

The organization’s initiative responds to ongoing developments in New York’s legal landscape, where legislative reforms have broadened opportunities for survivors to file civil claims. The Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act each created temporary windows that allow individuals to bring lawsuits previously barred by time limits. These measures have empowered many survivors of sexual abuse across Queens and other regions of the state to seek redress for abuse that occurred in schools, workplaces, religious organizations, and other institutional settings.

Survivors of Abuse NY’s campaign emphasizes the procedural distinctions between criminal prosecution and civil litigation. While criminal cases focus on punishment for offenders, civil claims seek financial and legal accountability from both individuals and institutions responsible for enabling or concealing misconduct. The organization’s educational materials explain the steps of civil proceedings, including filing requirements, discovery, and evidentiary standards. The resources also describe how courts assess institutional liability when organizations fail to uphold mandated reporting or child protection obligations.

Cases involving institutional sexual abuse often raise questions about oversight, supervision, and adherence to internal policies. Legal actions may include claims against entities that employed or supervised perpetrators, as well as those that ignored complaints or failed to act on warning signs. Evidence may include personnel files, prior incident reports, and correspondence between staff or administrators. By clarifying these legal mechanisms, Survivors of Abuse NY’s outreach seeks to increase transparency and encourage institutions to strengthen compliance with their protective duties.

The organization also underscores the importance of trauma-informed representation in abuse cases. Survivors often face emotional and psychological challenges when deciding whether to pursue legal action, particularly in cases involving authority figures or trusted organizations. Survivors of Abuse NY promotes an approach that combines procedural accuracy with empathy and confidentiality, ensuring that survivors remain informed and empowered throughout the legal process.

Broader conversations about institutional accountability continue across New York’s education, healthcare, and religious sectors. Civil litigation has been instrumental in prompting policy reforms such as improved staff training, clearer reporting guidelines, and the establishment of independent review systems. By connecting legal education with policy awareness, Survivors of Abuse NY contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and oversight statewide.

Founded to support individuals affected by sexual abuse and institutional misconduct, Survivors of Abuse NY provides accessible legal education and resources on civil justice options. The organization’s expanded campaign includes written materials, informational sessions, and online resources designed to help survivors, families, and advocates better understand the civil justice system and its role in promoting accountability.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiZ4si48l58

For more information on how this law firm can assist you, visit Survivors of Abuse NY to learn more about civil remedies and survivor education initiatives across New York.

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For more information about Thomas Giuffra, Esq. - The Abuse Lawyer NY, contact the company here:

Thomas Giuffra, Esq. - The Abuse Lawyer NY
Thomas Giuffra, Esq.
(646) 413-6394
thomas@survivorsofabuseny.com
551 5th Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, NY 10017