“Sexual abuse cases, such as Harvey Weinstein and Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs, are not just about sex. They are about power, manipulation, and the control of another person; usually someone in a subordinate position. I have been representing survivors of such abuse for the majority of my legal career. I am proud to represent them and assist them in regaining their power, their dignity, and their lives.”
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical help, please call 911.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse, finding support can be a challenge in itself, especially in the early days, when choices may feel uncertain or difficult to process.
Created by Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, this guide provides clear, trauma-informed legal guidance and sexual abuse resources for survivors in New York, while respecting your choices, privacy, and safety at every step.
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, confidential help is available 24/7. You can access assistance from these resources without deciding whether to report the abuse.
Check your local listing of counties and municipalities across New York that operate local sexual assault crisis programs. If speaking on the phone feels difficult, many of these organizations offer online chat options.
Seeking medical care after sexual abuse is a personal decision. Some survivors want immediate treatment, while others may wait. In New York, Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (often called SAFE exams) are available at designated hospitals and are provided at no cost to the patient.
SAFE-certified hospitals include NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center and Mount Sinai’s SAVI program. These centers provide trauma-informed care delivered by trained professionals.
It’s important to note that having a forensic exam does not require you to report to law enforcement. Your consent and comfort guide the process, and confidentiality protections apply.
Emotional and psychological support is also an important part of healing. Survivors may benefit from working with trauma-informed therapists who understand the effects of sexual abuse.
New York offers a range of counseling options, including free and sliding-scale services. Check these statewide and NYC-based directories to locate therapists and practices specializing in sexual trauma.
Programs supported by the New York State Office of Victim Services may also help cover counseling costs, regardless of immigration status or whether a police report is made.
Reporting sexual violence is always a choice. Some survivors decide to report immediately, others later, and some not at all. In New York, survivors may speak with law enforcement, submit anonymous or confidential reports in certain settings, or consult an advocate to understand what reporting entails.
Additional sources of support with reporting may include:
Civil lawsuits are separate and independent from criminal cases. While criminal cases are brought by prosecutors and focus on punishment, civil cases are brought by survivors and focus on accountability and financial compensation for the harm caused by sexual abuse or misconduct.
Under New York law, survivors may pursue civil claims against the individual who caused the abuse, as well as against institutions that failed to protect them or allowed abuse to continue. Civil lawsuits can seek compensation for emotional harm, therapy and medical costs, lost income, and other long-term impacts of abuse.
Importantly, a civil lawsuit may be possible even if no criminal charges were filed, a criminal case was dismissed, or the abuse occurred years ago. New York has expanded civil options for survivors by extending statutes of limitations for certain sexual abuse claims. Whether a civil case may still be filed depends on factors such as the survivor’s age at the time of abuse and the type of defendant involved.
Speaking with a New York sexual abuse lawyer can help clarify whether a civil claim may be available and what options, if any, exist.
Survivors deserve to be heard, believed, and treated with dignity. Our role is to provide steady guidance, protect our clients’ rights, and help them move forward at their own pace. There is no single ‘right’ way to seek justice—only the way that feels right for you. – Thomas P. Giuffra
If you have experienced sexual assault or abuse, know that you are not alone. The attorneys at Rheingold, Giuffra, Ruffo, Plotkin & Hellman LLP have stood beside survivors across New York for decades, helping them seek justice and accountability with care, discretion, and strength.
Our team will listen, guide you through your legal options, and help you take the next step—on your terms.
Call (212) 684-1880 or reach out here for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced sexual assault attorney.
Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP is nationally recognized for handling complex civil sexual abuse litigation involving powerful individuals and institutions. Our attorneys have represented survivors in cases involving educators, medical professionals, and other prominent defendants, including matters connected to Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Harvey Weinstein, Dr. Darius Paduch, and others.
Our work is led by Thomas P. Giuffra, Esq., a nationally respected trial lawyer with decades of experience representing survivors in high-stakes sexual abuse cases. Under his leadership, our firm has built a reputation for careful preparation, discretion, and the ability to take on difficult cases against well-resourced defendants.
Every member of our team approaches this work with care, privacy, and respect for survivor autonomy. We provide individualized representation and devote significant resources to each case. We also work closely with a consulting psychotherapist to help support clients throughout the civil process.
When you are ready, we will listen, answer questions, and help you understand potential civil options—at your pace, and on your terms.
You May Have Legal Options. Reach Out When You’re Ready
We understand that contacting a law firm can feel intimidating, particularly after experiencing trauma. At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP, consultations are confidential and focused on your needs.
During this initial conversation, we will explain how New York civil law may apply to your situation, outline potential next steps, and answer your questions. We can provide the support that you need and connect you with other appropriate resources.
When you are ready, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We are here to support you.
Call (212) 684-1880 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our sexual abuse and assault lawyers in New York.
