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How to Report School Sexual Abuse in New York

Reporting school sexual abuse takes courage — you can report to school officials or law enforcement, pursue a civil lawsuit, or both; the choice is yours, at your 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 the school and filing a civil lawsuit?

Reporting to the school or police is a criminal or administrative matter; a civil lawsuit is a separate legal action against the institution for failing to protect you. You can pursue one, both, or neither — the decision is entirely yours.

Can I still file a civil lawsuit if the abuse happened years ago?

Under CPLR 214-g (the Child Victims Act), survivors of childhood school sexual abuse can file civil claims until age 55 or within 2.5 years of discovering that the abuse caused a psychological or physical injury, whichever is later.

What if the school denies the abuse happened?

An institution's denial does not prevent you from pursuing a civil claim. Schools can be held liable under theories of negligent hiring, supervision, or retention of the abuser — independent of whether criminal charges are ever filed.

Is my conversation with Banville Law confidential?

Yes — attorney-client privilege protects every conversation from the moment you first reach out. Nothing you share with Banville Law can be disclosed without your consent. If you need immediate support, RAINN's confidential hotline is available 24/7 at 800-656-4673.

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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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