At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, we have extensive expertise representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Our attorneys work with survivors nationwide to hold the individual who committed the abuse accountable in the civil court system.

Standing Up to Powerful Organizations

An institution that fails to protect a child from sexual abuse – for example, by failing to report suspected sexual abuse – can also be held accountable through litigation. Childhood sexual abuse can take place in nearly any environment, such as:

• Catholic archdioceses
• Other religious denominations
• The Boy Scouts of America
• Youth organizations
• Sports leagues
• Public school districts
• Private schools
• Summer camps
• Daycare facilities
• Government agencies

Delayed Disclosure of Sexual Abuse

Often, victims of childhood sexual abuse will not report the abuse until well into adulthood. There may be many reasons for this. A child may not be able to effectively understand and articulate what has happened. In adulthood, complex family relationships, cultural norms, shame or embarrassment, and many other factors may affect the decision to come forward. Often, it is not until much later that an individual decides to report sexual abuse. In fact, research shows that the average age at which a childhood sexual abuse survivor reports the abuse is 52.

Delayed reporting is a reality in childhood sexual abuse cases. However, it is important to remember that this delay does not necessarily disqualify a survivor from taking legal action later in life.

Statutes of Limitations and Lookback Windows

Statutes of limitations are strict deadlines by which a civil claim must be filed. The statutes of limitations vary widely depending on the state and the cause of action. Because many states have extended the deadline for civil claims involving childhood sexual abuse, our attorneys may be able to file a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse, even if the assault occurred long ago.

For example, in June 2025, Oregon passed a law eliminating the statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual violence, significantly expanding victims’ rights in the state. Maryland recently passed a “lookback window” law allowing survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil claims regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. This lookback windows extends the period in which the survivor can file a legal claim against the individual perpetrator or the institution that allowed the abuse. Other states have passed similar lookback windows.

Our Work

While some of our cases result in litigation, many of our cases settle through confidential processes. Our public cases include:

• Baltimore Archdiocese, St. Mary’s Seminary Wrongful Death Lawsuit
• Rowing Coach Sexually Abusing Student-Athletes
• Former Phillips Exeter Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Student

How To Take Action for Childhood Sexual Abuse

To learn more about pursuing civil litigation, please get in touch with us at one of our law offices. You can call 646-679-1364, send us an email, or use our online contact form.

No child deserves to suffer sexual abuse. At Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, we are committed to assisting victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) across the United States file legal actions against the people who harmed them.

Our attorneys regularly pursue action against individual abusers, groups of more than two people and institutions that facilitated sexual abuse. We center our approach on survivors, treating you with the compassion, dignity and privacy that you deserve.

Standing Up To Powerful Organizations

An institution that fails to protect a child from sexual abuse – for example, by failing to report suspected sexual assault – can also be held accountable through litigation.  We are not afraid of taking on the nation’s most powerful groups if it means finding justice for the survivors of sexual abuse. These may include:

• Catholic archdioceses
• Other religious denominations
• The Boy Scouts of America
• Colleges and universities
• Public school districts
• Private schools
• Summer camps
• Daycare facilities
• Government agencies

Our sexual abuse lawyers regularly join with other plaintiffs to file class action lawsuits in situations that necessitate it.

What Is A Lookback Window? How Does It Affect Me?

Several states, including California, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., have passed laws which extend the deadlines for survivors to file lawsuits against sexual abusers. Previously, many victims lost out on the opportunity to file sexual abuse lawsuits due to the statute of limitations. These laws, sometimes called lookback windows, extend the period in which you can file a legal claim against your perpetrator or the institution that allowed the abuse.

Delayed Disclosure Of Sexual Abuse

Often, victims of sexual abuse will not report the abuse until well into adulthood. There may be many reasons for this. A child may not understand what has happened nor be able to articulate what has happened. In adulthood, complex family relationships, cultural norms, shame or embarrassment, and many other factors may affect the decision to come forward.

Often, it is not until much later that the individual decides to report the abuse. In fact, according to the average age at which a childhood sexual abuse survivor reports the abuse is 52.

Delayed reporting is a reality in childhood sexual abuse cases. However, it is important to remember that this delay may not disqualify you from taking legal action later in life. Talk to an attorney to learn about your specific options.

Ask How To Take Action Against Your Abuser

Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, can help you in holding accountable your assailant or the establishment that sheltered them. To learn more, please reach out to one of our caring team members to set up an initial consultation. You can begin by calling us at 646-679-1364 or by using our online contact form.