Fraternity & Sorority Abuse/Hazing

What Is Hazing? 

Under New York law (§§ 120.16 and 120.17), hazing is defined as the intentional or reckless conduct in connection with initiation into or affiliation with a fraternity, sorority, or other organization that creates a substantial risk of physical injury or causes actual harm. This includes acts that result in physical injury, emotional distress, or sexual abuse, regardless of whether the victim consented to participate.  

Hazing conduct can be categorized into three primary forms of actionable abuse: physical, emotional, and sexual:  

• Physical abuse in hazing can include forced intoxication, sleep deprivation, physical coercion, or strenuous physical tasks; actions likely to cause bodily harm. 
• Emotional abuse encompasses psychological tactics like humiliation, isolation, verbal threats, and intimidation, which can cause lasting emotional or psychological trauma. 
• Sexual abuse or assault as a form of hazing includes non-consensual sexual contact, coerced nudity, or any sexually exploitative conduct presented as part of an initiation. Our  New York sexual assault lawyers are experienced in handling these complex cases, holding accountable those responsible and seeking justice for survivors through civil litigation. 

Why Does Hazing Happen?  

Hazing often arises from entrenched cultural norms within fraternities and sororities, as well as peer pressure, and a lack of effective oversight by chapter leadership or affiliated institutions. These practices may be excused as tradition, even when unlawful or hazardous.  

Legally, liability may extend beyond individual perpetrators to include national Greek-letter organizations and the colleges or universities that recognize or support these chapters, especially where there is evidence of knowledge, encouragement, or failure to prevent foreseeable harm. 

New York Hazing Laws & Statutes 

New York State Penal Law defines hazing as: 

Penal Law § 120.16: Hazing in the Second Degree 

Under New York Penal Law § 120.16, a person is guilty of hazing in the second degree when they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct during the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with an organization that creates a substantial risk of physical injury to that person. 

Penal Law § 120.17: Hazing in the First Degree  

Under New York Penal Law § 120.17, a person is guilty of hazing in the first degree when, in the course of another person’s initiation or affiliation with an organization, they intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct that causes physical injury to another individual. This offense is treated as more serious due to the actual infliction of harm.   

Statute of Limitations  

Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214(5), individuals who suffer personal injuries as a result of hazing generally have three years from the date of the injury to file a civil lawsuit for damages. This statute applies to claims involving physical harm, emotional distress, and other tort-based injuries, provided no shorter limitations period applies due to specific circumstances, such as actions against a governmental entity. 

Extended Statute of Limitations for Hazing Involving Sexual Abuse of Minors in New York 

In New York, survivors of sexual abuse that occurred while they were under the age of 18 generally have until their 55th birthday to file a civil lawsuit. This extended statute of limitations was established by the Child Victims Act, which became law in 2019. It gives survivors more time to come forward and pursue justice, even years after the abuse occurred. 

If you or someone you love experienced sexual abuse related to hazing or any other context, you may have legal options under New York law. A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate your case and explain your rights under the current statute. 

Who Can Be Held Accountable 

As noted, depending on the facts of the case, several parties may share responsibility for hazing-related harm: 

• Individual Perpetrators: Members of the fraternity, sorority, or other student group who directly engaged in the abusive conduct. 
• Fraternity or Sorority Chapters: The local student chapter may be liable if it organized, encouraged, or allowed the hazing to occur. 
• National Greek Organizations: If the national body had knowledge of prior misconduct or failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, it may be held responsible under theories of negligent supervision or vicarious liability. 
• Colleges and Universities: Institutions that receive federal funding may face liability under Title IX and state tort law if they failed to prevent or adequately respond to hazing or sexual abuse that occurred within their programs or under their oversight. 
• Advisors or School Officials: Faculty or staff members who had a duty to supervise student groups and failed to intervene or report known or suspected abuse. 
• Landlords or Property Owners: In some cases, the owner of the property where the hazing occurred (such as a fraternity house) may be liable under premises liability or for knowingly allowing dangerous conduct on their property. 

Civil lawsuits can lead to institutional changes, compelling colleges to improve policies and protections against hazing and sexual abuse. It also provides compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and financial losses resulting from the abuse, and empowers survivors by holding wrongdoers accountable. 

How a Hazing Abuse Lawyer Can Help  

An experienced hazing abuse attorney offers strategic, compassionate representation to individuals who have suffered physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during fraternity or sorority initiation:  

• Confidential Legal Consultation. We start with a free, private consultation to evaluate your hazing experience, determine potential legal claims, identify liable individuals or institutions, and explain applicable legal deadlines under New York and federal law. 
• Thorough Investigation. Our team gathers critical evidence, including medical records, eyewitness accounts, and school or fraternity policies. We often collaborate with expert consultants to strengthen your case. 
• Filing the Lawsuit. We prepare and file your claim under New York’s anti-hazing statutes and, when appropriate, federal laws such as Title IX. All filings are tailored to the specific facts of your case and designed to hold accountable every responsible party, whether individuals, Greek organizations, or institutions. 
• Advocacy Through Settlement or Trial. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or proceeds to trial, our lead attorneys, including Thomas P. Giuffra, remain directly involved at every stage. We provide personalized, strategic advocacy focused on securing the justice and compensation you deserve. 

We Represent Survivors of College Sexual Assault & Hazing in New York  

Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman LLP has extensive experience handling high-profile civil sexual assault cases in New York, including representing plaintiffs in cases against Harvey Weinstein, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Dr. Robert Hadden, and Dr. Darius Paduch. We also handle cases involving college sexual abuse and hazing by fraternities and sororities. We approach each case with compassion and a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring survivors are treated with respect and dignity throughout the legal process. 

Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced New York sexual assault and hazing attorney. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not owe attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf.