Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.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, survivors of childhood sexual abuse may file civil claims until age 55 under CPLR §208(b). A separate provision, CPLR §214-g, briefly allowed survivors of any age to revive previously time-barred claims, but that window closed on August 14, 2021. If your claim hadn't already expired before 2019, or you filed during that window, you're likely still protected under the age-55 rule today. 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.