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How to Report Boy Scouts Sexual Abuse in New York

Reporting Boy Scouts abuse takes courage — you can file a confidential civil claim against the BSA and local councils for failing to protect you, at your own pace.

Laurence P. Banville Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Last updated June 2026
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Laurence P. Banville, New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville Managing Partner · NY & D.C. Bars

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between reporting to police and filing a civil lawsuit?

A criminal report asks the government to prosecute an abuser, while a civil lawsuit is a separate legal action you bring to hold the Boy Scouts of America and local councils financially accountable for their failure to protect you. You can pursue one, both, or neither — the choice is yours.

Can I still file a civil claim if the abuse happened decades ago?

Possibly, yes. Under New York's Child Victims Act (CPLR 214-g), survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil claims until age 55, or within 2.5 years of discovering the abuse caused psychological or physical injury. An attorney can review your specific circumstances.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?

Yes — every conversation with Banville Law is protected by attorney-client privilege. Nothing you share is disclosed without your consent, and there is no obligation to proceed after speaking with us.

What if I am not ready to go into detail yet?

That is completely understandable, and you do not need to be ready. You can share only what you are comfortable sharing; the process moves at your pace. Coming forward at all takes real courage.

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Laurence P. Banville

Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.

Managing Partner, Banville Law · New York & D.C. Bars

Laurence Banville is a New York personal injury attorney and the Managing Partner of Banville Law. Born in County Wexford, Ireland, he earned his law degree summa cum laude from University College Dublin and once defended insurance companies in product-liability litigation — experience he now uses for injured New Yorkers. He has been named to the Irish Legal 100 and the Irish Echo’s Top 40 Under 40, and is an AVVO Rated attorney.

NY Bar D.C. Bar Irish Legal 100 AVVO Rated AAJ Member

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Laurence P. Banville, Esq., New York personal injury attorney
Laurence P. Banville, Esq. Managing Partner — he personally reviews every case review request.
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This form takes about 2 minutes. You don't need to share any details about what happened — just enough for us to understand who may be legally responsible.

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