School Sexual Abuse Attorneys

If you suspect your child is being sexually abused at school, you are not alone—and you have legal options. Parents place trust in teachers, administrators, coaches, and school staff to protect children. When that trust is broken, schools and responsible institutions can be held accountable.

The New York City school sexual abuse attorneys at AWK Survivor Advocate Attorneys represent survivors and families in cases involving public schools, private schools, transportation services, and colleges throughout NYC and New York State.

A U.S. Department of Education report found that 1 in 10 students experiences sexual misconduct before graduating high school. While abuse by adults is devastating, student-on-student sexual abuse is even more common, often enabled by inadequate supervision or ignored warning signs.

An Associated Press analysis of federal data reported 17,000 student-perpetrated sexual assaults between 2011 and 2015 alone.

When a school fails to prevent or respond to abuse, it may be legally liable.

School sexual abuse includes any unwanted sexual contact, exploitation, or harassment occurring:

• On school property
• During school-sponsored activities
• On school buses or transportation
• In private, public, charter, or religious schools
• At colleges and universities

Abuse may be committed by teachers, staff, coaches, volunteers, or other students.

Children often struggle to disclose abuse. Warning signs may include:

• Stay calm and listen without judgment
• Do not blame or pressure your child
• Avoid demanding details
• Seek immediate medical and psychological care
• Report the abuse to authorities and child protective services
• Speak with an experienced school sexual abuse attorney

Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, protect your child, and prevent further harm.

Survivors may experience:

• PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Chronic physical symptoms
• Difficulty trusting others
• Low self-esteem
• Sexual dysfunction
• Suicidal ideation

Legal action can provide access to treatment and accountability.

Our sexual abuse attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience representing survivors of institutional abuse.

You deserve justice. Your child deserves protection.