New Jersey Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

Experienced Law Firm Helping Survivors of Sexual Abuse in New Jersey Pursue Justice Through Civil Lawsuits

New Jersey sexual abuse lawsuit claims offer survivors of childhood or adult sexual abuse a powerful way to seek justice through the civil justice system. 

No matter where the abuse occurred, survivors now have expanded legal rights under New Jersey law to pursue compensation and hold abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.

The Injury Lawyer Team represents sexual abuse victims across the state. We’ve worked on civil cases involving repeated abuse, sex trafficking, and situations where agencies like the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency allegedly allowed abuse to continue for years.

If you were sexually abuse, molested, or repeatedly assaulted, you may be eligible to file claims for damages tied to emotional distress, psychological injuries, therapy costs, and lost wages. In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish especially egregious misconduct.

Whether you’re ready to pursue legal action now or just want answers about your options, our experienced New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys are here to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way. Book a free consultation today!

Recent Updates on Sexual Abuse Lawsuits in New Jersey

Jun 20, 2025 – Leonia School Board Pressured Over Historic Abuse by Former Teacher

Four men publicly accused former Leonia, New Jersey, teacher John Anagnosti of sexually abusing them as children, urging the school board to take accountability. Anagnosti, convicted in 1982 of molesting a 9-year-old, is alleged to have abused multiple boys over several years. 

Sexual abuse survivors criticized the district for its limited response, especially given ongoing litigation. The school board previously settled a $6 million lawsuit involving two victims but is believed to face more potential claims.

May 29, 2025 – New Jersey Settles Foster Care Sex Abuse Lawsuit

The State of New Jersey agreed to a $19.5 million settlement with two siblings who were repeatedly sexually abused by foster parent Joseph Salmon in a state-approved home between 1969 and 1972. The case is among the largest child abuse settlements in New Jersey history and comes amid growing accountability for the state’s foster care system. 

Recent verdicts—including a $25 million jury award and a $6.75 million settlement involving the same foster home—helped set a precedent for significant compensation. Under this latest agreement, New Jersey accepted full liability, awarding $9.75 million to each plaintiff.

April 3, 2025 – Lawsuits Over Abuse at New Jersey Youth Facilities Climb to 150

Two new civil lawsuits were filed in Superior Court in Monmouth and Somerset counties, bringing the total number of sex abuse lawsuits tied to New Jersey’s state-run youth treatment centers to 150. 

The latest New Jersey youth residential treatment center lawsuits involve 16 survivors and target abuse allegedly committed at the former Arthur Brisbane Treatment Center and the Training School at Skillman—facilities that have been closed for decades. Plaintiffs are seeking damages for sexual assault and mistreatment during their time in state custody.

March 27, 2025 – Lawsuit Filed Over Widespread Abuse at Daytop New Jersey Facilities

Attorneys filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of 23 survivors of childhood sexual abuse at Daytop New Jersey’s youth substance abuse treatment centers. 

The residential treatment facility lawsuit alleges that Daytop staff sexually abused vulnerable minors who were placed there through a court-mandated referral program. Many of the plaintiffs were forced to choose between attending Daytop or serving time in juvenile detention, only to face abuse in either scenario.

The complaint also holds the State of New Jersey responsible for allowing the abuse to occur, arguing that state officials essentially abandoned children to known risks at Daytop. In many cases, survivors abused at Daytop say staff facilitated drug and alcohol use to enable sexual abuse, further fueling long-term addiction and psychological trauma.

February 7, 2025 – Diocese of Trenton Sues Insurers Amid Surge in Catholic Church Abuse Claims

The Diocese of Trenton filed a lawsuit in New Jersey federal court against several insurance companies, seeking coverage for the wave of child sexual abuse claims filed under the New Jersey Child Victims Act. 

The diocese alleges that insurers—among them Century Indemnity, St. Paul Fire and Marine, and National Union Fire Insurance—have failed to agree on how to divide liability and costs.

This impasse, according to the diocese, has hindered its ability to settle hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits involving clergy and church-affiliated individuals. 

The case highlights a growing legal dispute over how insurers define an “occurrence” and who is financially responsible for resolving civil claims stemming from decades of abuse. 

January 13, 2025 – Lawsuits Filed Over Decades of Sexual Abuse at New Jersey Juvenile Detention Centers

Eleven former detainees—nine men and two women—have filed lawsuits in New Jersey Superior Court alleging they were sexually assaulted as children while held in juvenile detention centers across Cumberland, Passaic, Mercer, and Hudson counties. 

The complaints describe a “rampant” culture of abuse by staff from 1984 through 2007 and accuse the counties of allowing systemic sexual misconduct to persist unchecked.

The plaintiffs include a man who says he was groped and threatened at age 16 in Cumberland County and a woman who was sexually assaulted by multiple officers while detained in Mercer County as a young teen. Her complaint also alleges retaliation when she attempted to report the abuse.

All four facilities named in the suits—some now closed—have prior records of abuse allegations. 

December 4, 2024 – New Jersey Cracks Down on Human Trafficking Rings in Essex and Cumberland Counties

New Jersey authorities have indicted seven individuals tied to two human trafficking operations involving the sexual exploitation of minors, including children as young as 13. The trafficking rings were allegedly active in Essex County, including Newark, and Cumberland County, where children were forced into commercial sex acts. 

Attorney General Matt Platkin revealed that traffickers used online ads and mobile apps to arrange encounters with buyers, bringing victims to hotels and rentals for abuse. In one case, a Bridgeton house was used as a base where victims were made to engage in sex with hundreds of men weekly. 

These indictments mark a significant action from the state’s human trafficking unit, launched in 2022.

January 17, 2024 – Decades of Abuse at New Jersey Training School Spark Major Lawsuit

Fifty men have filed a civil lawsuit in Middlesex County Superior Court alleging they were sexually abused while held at the NJ Training School in Monroe Township—one of the state’s oldest and most troubled juvenile detention centers. 

The lawsuit details unchecked abuse dating back to the 1970s, accusing guards, counselors, and other state agents of sexually assaulting boys both on campus and in nearby wooded areas. Plaintiffs claim the state knew about the widespread abuse for decades but did nothing to intervene.

The 90-page sexual abuse complaint highlights years of inaction and seeks damages, including punitive compensation. Many of the men were placed at the facility through court orders, with some alleging that reports made to parole boards or staff were ignored. 

The Training School, also known as Jamesburg, houses hundreds of boys and has long faced criticism over racial disparities and high rates of reported abuse. Though officials announced plans to close it in 2018, the facility remains operational due to lack of alternatives. 

Plaintiffs and their attorneys hope this case will not only deliver justice but also prompt long-overdue systemic reform.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse and Assault Under New Jersey Law?

In New Jersey, sexual abuse and sexual assault are defined under both criminal and civil law. Understanding these distinctions is essential for survivors who may be considering whether to pursue criminal charges, file a civil lawsuit, or both.

Criminal sexual offenses in New Jersey are governed by N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2C:14-1 through § 2C:14-10, which outline various sex crimes including sexual assault, aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Offenses are categorized based on factors such as:

• The age of the victim
• Whether force or coercion was used
• Whether the alleged offender held a position of power, trust, or authority over the victim
• The presence of physical injury or use of a weapon

Examples include:

• Aggravated Sexual Assault: This first-degree crime applies when the victim is under 13, when there’s physical force, or when the actor is in a supervisory or custodial role (e.g., teacher, parent, correctional officer).
• Sexual Assault: Includes sexual penetration under conditions not rising to aggravated circumstances, such as a victim between the ages of 13 and 16, where the perpetrator is at least four years older.
• Criminal Sexual Contact: Involves intentional touching of intimate parts without penetration, for the purpose of sexual gratification or humiliation.

To obtain a criminal conviction, the State must prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the highest standard of proof in the legal system.

Survivors also have the option of pursuing civil claims under New Jersey tort law. This path allows them to seek financial compensation for the emotional, physical, and psychological injuries caused by the abuse, even if no criminal charges were filed or proven.

Common civil claims include:

• Negligent supervision (e.g., when a school or institution failed to protect a child)
• Intentional infliction of emotional distress
• Battery (non-consensual, harmful, or offensive contact)
• Failure to report abuse as required by New Jersey’s mandatory reporting laws under N.J. Stat. Ann. § 9:6-8.10-a
• Institutional negligence, often cited in cases involving churches, schools, juvenile detention centers, and foster care systems

Unlike criminal cases, civil lawsuits require a lower standard of proof. Survivors must show by a preponderance of the evidence—meaning it’s more likely than not—that the abuse occurred. This makes civil litigation more accessible for many victims, particularly in cases where evidence is limited due to the passage of time.

How Long Do Victims Have to File Civil Lawsuits in New Jersey?

The time you have to file a sexual abuse lawsuit in New Jersey—known legally as the statute of limitations—depends on your age when the abuse occurred and when you became aware of its impact. Thanks to major reforms in recent years, many survivors now have more time than ever to seek justice through civil lawsuits.

Major Expansion Under the New Jersey Child Victims Act

The most significant change came in 2019, when New Jersey passed the Child Victims Act (P.L.2019, c.120). Before this law, survivors of child sexual abuse typically had only two years to file a civil lawsuit after turning 18. 

This narrow window meant that countless survivors were shut out of the legal system simply because they hadn’t come forward quickly enough, a common hurdle given the emotional trauma and delayed memory often associated with sexual abuse.

Under the Child Victims Act, New Jersey:

• Extended the civil statute of limitations to allow survivors to file a lawsuit up until age 55, or
• Within 7 years of discovering that the abuse caused emotional or psychological harm, whichever is later
• Opened a two-year “revival window” (from December 1, 2019, to November 30, 2021) allowing anyone, regardless of age or how long ago the abuse occurred, to file lawsuits that were previously time-barred

This law applies specifically to civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse, whether the abuse occurred in schools, churches, foster homes, youth detention centers, or other institutional settings.

Considerations for Adult Sexual Abuse Victims

Legal advocates and lawmakers have pushed for expanded rights for adult survivors, especially in light of high-profile cases involving state-run facilities and institutional abuse.

For adult survivors of sexual assault in New Jersey (those abused at age 18 or older), the standard statute of limitations for civil claims remains 2 years from the date of the incident or the discovery of harm. 

This remains a significant barrier for many adult survivors, although some claims may still proceed under equitable doctrines like fraudulent concealment or under federal law, depending on the case’s specifics.

Why Choose Injury Lawyer Team

When you’ve endured sexual abuse, choosing the right legal team isn’t just important—it’s personal. At Injury Lawyer Team, we combine decades of experience with trauma-informed advocacy to help survivors seek compensation with strength, sensitivity, and strategy.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Trauma-Informed Approach – We understand that every survivor’s story is different. Our attorneys and staff are trained to handle sensitive cases with care, respect, and confidentiality, never pressure.
• Proven Results in Sexual Abuse Litigation – Our team has successfully taken on powerful institutions, including churches, public schools, juvenile detention centers, and state agencies. We’ve helped secure millions in settlements and verdicts on behalf of survivors.
• Focused on Accountability – We don’t just go after individual perpetrators. We investigate systemic failures—like negligent supervision, cover-ups, or institutional silence—and fight to hold organizations accountable.
• Full-Service Legal Representation – From evidence preservation and medical documentation to working with trauma experts and navigating complex deadlines, we handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing.
• You Pay Nothing Unless We Win – We work on a contingency fee basis. That means no upfront costs, no hourly billing, and no legal fees unless we secure compensation for you.

At Injury Lawyer Team, we’re not just here to file a lawsuit—we’re here to help you reclaim your voice, your dignity, and your future. If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen.

Types of Sexual Abuse & Assault Cases We Handle in New Jersey

Injury Lawyer Team focuses exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and assault. We understand the deep personal impact these cases have, and we’re here to hold individuals and institutions accountable. We represent clients in a wide range of abuse-related cases, including:

• Child Sexual Abuse – Abuse by parents, relatives, teachers, clergy, foster parents, coaches, or other trusted adults.
• Institutional Abuse – Failures by schools, churches, youth facilities, group homes, or state-run programs to prevent or stop known abuse.
• School & Campus Sexual Assault – Title IX and civil claims involving sexual assault at public and private schools, colleges, and universities, often involving peer-on-peer assault, faculty misconduct, or administrative negligence.
• Workplace Sexual Abuse & Harassment – Assault, coercion, or sexual harassment by employers, supervisors, or co-workers, especially in workplaces that ignored complaints or enabled abuse.
• Assault by Strangers or Acquaintances – Civil legal action for rape or sexual assault by known individuals or strangers, whether in social, professional, or public settings.
• Trafficking & Exploitation – Claims involving sex trafficking, forced prostitution, or abuse in exchange for shelter, money, drugs, or favors, often against traffickers, hotel chains, or third parties who enabled the abuse.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies for action under New Jersey law, we’re here to offer confidential guidance at no cost.

What Are the Challenges When Filing Sexual Assault Lawsuits in New Jersey?

Despite significant legal reforms like the New Jersey Child Victims Act, filing civil lawsuits in New Jersey still presents real obstacles—legally, emotionally, and procedurally. Survivors often face these common challenges:

• Institutional Resistance – Schools, churches, and state entities may deny wrongdoing, delay cases, or destroy old records. Institutions often blame individuals rather than accept systemic fault.
• Lack of Evidence – Many survivors wait years to come forward. Key records may be lost, destroyed, or never created, especially in older cases or closed facilities like Daytop or Skillman.
• Emotional Toll – Revisiting traumatic events, testifying, or sitting through depositions can trigger PTSD, depression, or addiction relapse. Emotional strain may deter or delay legal action without proper support.
• Privacy Concerns – Even with pseudonyms, legal filings may expose sensitive personal details. Fear of retaliation, stigma, or career fallout can discourage survivors, especially in high-profile cases.
• Complex Statutes of Limitations – The CVA extended filing windows, but rules are still complex. Adult survivors may face stricter cutoffs. Determining eligibility often requires legal analysis.
• Multiple Defendants and Jurisdictions – Survivors may need to sue multiple parties—abusers, institutions, school districts, dioceses, or state agencies—each with different legal teams and strategies. Some cases also involve overlapping state and federal jurisdictions.
• Insurance Disputes and Delays – Even when survivors win, payouts can be delayed by insurance challenges. For example, the Diocese of Trenton sued its insurers for failing to cover abuse claims. These fights can slow compensation.

What Is the Average Payout for a New Jersey Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

The average payout for a New Jersey sex abuse lawsuit is approximately $3.4 million, while the median payout is $750,000. Payouts can reach as much as $25 million. 

This wide range reflects how compensation can vary dramatically depending on factors such as the severity and duration of the abuse, the age of the survivor, the level of institutional negligence, and whether punitive damages are awarded.

Notable New York Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlements & Verdicts

Landmark Verdict in New Jersey Foster Care Abuse Case Against State Agencies

A New Jersey jury awarded $12.5 million to plaintiff Norma Jones, who suffered repeated sexual abuse while in the foster care system between 1990 and 1998. 

The abuse occurred in multiple placements under the supervision of the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Jones was abused by a man in one foster home and repeatedly sexually assaulted by a foster father in another.

The jury found that the state agencies were 90% responsible for her suffering, with 10% fault assigned to the abuser himself. The award included $9 million for past pain and suffering and $3.5 million for future pain and suffering. 

The plaintiff’s attorney team successfully argued that the state’s negligence in supervision, placement, and follow-up care directly enabled the ongoing abuse and contributed to Jones’s long-term psychological trauma.

Woman Sexually Abused by Doctor at Newark Clinic

A New Jersey jury awarded $8.15 million to plaintiff Renee Stone, who was sexually abused by Dr. Saif-Ur-Rehman Safdar over multiple visits to a Newark medical clinic when she was a minor. 

Safdar, who had prior convictions for child pornography, molested Stone during medical exams. The abuse occurred in an exam room with the door closed while other patients and staff were present at the clinic.

The doctor sexual abuse lawsuit claimed the clinic and Safdar’s employers, including Newark-based medical entities, failed to conduct adequate background checks or protect patients, despite Safdar’s criminal history. 

The jury found the clinic and its parent companies 60% liable for negligent hiring and supervision, with Safdar personally assigned 40% liability. The award included compensation for emotional distress, therapy, medical expenses, and pain and suffering, with $1 million in punitive damages against Safdar.

Settlement Reached in Teacher Sexual Abuse Case at Edgewood High

Two former students, Michael Delguerico and Matthew Grossman, secured a $6 million settlement after suing the Lower Camden County Regional School District and teacher Nicholas Zaccaria for repeated sexual abuse that occurred while they attended Edgewood Regional High School in Winslow Township, New Jersey.

The school sexual abuse lawsuit alleged that Zaccaria abused Grossman over 100 times between 1998 and 2002, starting when he was just 13. Delguerico reported over 250 incidents of abuse spanning two and a half years, beginning in 1999 when he was 16. 

The plaintiffs accused the district and school officials of negligence, claiming they failed to prevent or stop the abuse despite a pattern of misconduct. The district denied all allegations but agreed to a settlement, paying each survivor $3 million. 

Notable Appellate Decisions in New Jersey Courts

New Jersey courts have issued several important appellate rulings that shape how sexual abuse lawsuits are handled under the state’s legal system, especially following the 2019 passage of the New Jersey Child Victims Act (CVA). 

These rulings clarify when institutions can be held liable, how the statute of limitations is applied, and what responsibilities government agencies and private entities have in preventing and responding to abuse.

R.K. Newark 2 Doe v. Roman Catholic Archdiocese

A plaintiff alleged sexual abuse by a classmate outside of school, claiming the Newark Archdiocese failed to supervise and protect her. Although the abuse didn’t happen on school property, the Appellate Division reversed the trial court’s dismissal.

The court held that negligent supervision claims can proceed even if the abuse occurs off campus, as long as the school had a duty to act. This broadened the interpretation of liability under the CVA.

C.P. v. Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses

A plaintiff sued over childhood abuse by a family member who was also a congregation elder, arguing church officials failed to intervene.

The court allowed claims against the church to proceed under a negligence theory separate from earlier dismissed claims against the individual abuser. This case confirmed that new legal theories (like failure to act) can be pursued even if earlier claims were time-barred.

Desai v. West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District

A woman sexually assaulted by a substitute teacher in 2005 sued her school district under the CVA. The court allowed the lawsuit to proceed, finding that negligent hiring and supervision claims are valid, even if the abuser was not a permanent staff member and the assault occurred off school grounds.

Steps to Take If You’ve Been Abused or Assaulted in New Jersey

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual abuse, knowing what to do next can feel overwhelming. These steps can help protect your well-being and strengthen any future legal claims:

• Get to Safety: Make sure you are in a safe place. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a crisis hotline for immediate support.
• Seek Medical Care: Visit a hospital or sexual assault response center for a forensic medical exam (commonly called a “rape kit”). This preserves crucial evidence and addresses any health concerns.
• Report the Abuse: File a report with local police. If the victim is a minor, contact New Jersey’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) or other relevant authorities.
• Secure Evidence: Keep any physical evidence—such as clothing, text messages, emails, or photos—in a safe place. Avoid deleting or cleaning anything that might support your claim.
• Write It Down: As soon as you’re able, document what happened. Include names, dates, locations, and details about the incident or the people involved.
• Speak with a Lawyer: An experienced sexual abuse attorney can explain your rights, protect your privacy, and ensure you meet deadlines under the New Jersey Child Victims Act.

FAQs

What is the New Jersey Child Victims Act?

The New Jersey Child Victims Act (CVA), signed into law in 2019, expanded the legal rights of survivors of child sexual abuse. It removed the statute of limitations for civil lawsuits until victims reach age 55 or within seven years of discovering that the abuse caused harm, whichever comes later. 

The CVA also opened a two-year “lookback window,” which allowed previously time-barred claims to be filed. While that window closed in 2021, survivors may still have options under the law depending on when they discovered their injuries. A qualified attorney can help determine if your case is still eligible.

How common are sexual assault and sexual abuse in New Jersey?

Sexual abuse is alarmingly widespread in New Jersey. According to the CDC, more than 2.7 million survivors of sexual violence live in the state. That means roughly 1 in 3 New Jerseyans has experienced contact sexual violence at some point in their lives. These numbers reflect just how urgent and pervasive the crisis is, impacting people across every age group, gender, and community.

How do I prove an institutional negligence claim?

To establish institutional negligence in a sexual abuse lawsuit, you must show that an organization—such as a school, church, or youth program—failed in its duty to protect you. This could include ignoring warning signs, hiring or retaining someone with a known history of misconduct, failing to supervise staff, or covering up abuse. 

Evidence may come from internal records, witness testimony, past complaints, or expert reports. A law firm experienced in institutional liability can gather and present the evidence needed to prove accountability.

Can confidentiality be maintained in my lawsuit?

Yes, survivors in New Jersey can often maintain their privacy during civil lawsuits. Courts regularly allow plaintiffs to proceed using pseudonyms like “Jane Doe” or “John Doe,” especially in sensitive sexual abuse cases. 

Your attorney can also request protective orders to shield personal details and restrict public access to court documents. Confidential settlements are also common. If privacy is a concern, an experienced lawyer will take every possible step to protect your identity and emotional well-being.

What damages can be recovered during a New Jersey civil sexual abuse or assault case?

Survivors who file civil claims in New Jersey may be eligible to recover a range of damages, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical and therapy expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Lost wages or future earning capacity
• Punitive damages, in some cases, to punish extreme misconduct

Who can I hold liable for my sexual abuse in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you may be able to hold multiple parties legally responsible for your abuse, depending on where it happened, who was involved, and whether institutions failed to act. Potentially liable parties can include:

• The individual abuser – Whether a family member, teacher, coach, clergy member, or acquaintance, the person who committed the abuse can be held civilly liable.
• Employers or institutions – Schools, religious institutions, camps, daycare centers, medical facilities, and other organizations can be sued if they failed to properly screen, supervise, or report abusers under their authority.
• Government entities – Public schools, juvenile detention facilities, and other state-run agencies may bear liability if they neglected their duty to protect children or failed to act on abuse reports.
• Property owners or businesses – If the abuse occurred on commercial property due to negligent security, the property owner may be held accountable.
• Human traffickers and their networks – In trafficking or exploitation cases, you can also pursue claims against those who profited from or enabled the abuse.

An experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you identify all responsible parties and determine the best course of action under New Jersey law.

What if the perpetrator is insolvent or deceased?

Even if the abuser has no money or has died, you may still have a valid claim. Many lawsuits target institutions that enabled or failed to prevent the abuse—such as schools, religious organizations, or government agencies—which typically carry liability insurance. 

Additionally, claims can sometimes be filed against the abuser’s estate. Your attorney will assess all possible responsible parties and sources of compensation to pursue justice on your behalf.

Book a Free Consultation With Our Legal Team in New Jersey Today

Whether you’re considering filing a civil lawsuit or just need honest answers about your rights, our New Jersey sexual abuse attorneys are ready to listen, support you, and fight for the accountability you deserve. To book a free consultation, call (866) 757-6452 or send a confidential message through our online contact form. 

We proudly represent survivors across the state of New Jersey, including:

• Newark
• Paterson
• Clifton
• Elizabeth
• Jersey City