Reviewed by Laurence P. Banville, Esq.Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between reporting abuse to authorities and filing a civil lawsuit?
A criminal report asks the government to prosecute the abuser; a civil lawsuit holds the detention facility financially accountable for failing to protect you. You can pursue one, both, or neither — the choice is entirely yours.
Can I still file a civil lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?
Yes, in most cases. 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 — so many survivors still have time to act.
What if I am not ready to talk about what happened in detail?
You do not need to share every detail to start a conversation. Banville Law's referring attorneys listen at your pace and will never pressure you — there is no obligation to proceed.
Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?
Yes — attorney-client privilege protects every communication from the moment you reach out. Nothing you share can be disclosed without your consent.