Church Against The Horizon

Clergy Abuse In New York

New York State, along with the rest of the nation, has found itself in the midst of a priest sex abuse scandal. To help survivors of sexual assault, New York lawmakers passed the Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act (CVA). These new laws greatly expanded the rights of people who were assaulted as adults, as well as child sexual abuse survivors. Many priest abuse survivors have been given a second chance to file lawsuits against their abusers and the responsible dioceses.

The New York dioceses have paid millions in settlements. Several of the dioceses have also filed for bankruptcy in the wake of these lawsuits.

Were You Abused by a Priest in New York?

You May Have Rights to Legal Compensation

New York State, along with the rest of the nation, has found itself in the midst of a priest sex abuse scandal. To help survivors of sexual assault, New York lawmakers passed the Adult Survivors Act and the Child Victims Act (CVA). These new laws greatly expanded the rights of people who were assaulted as adults, as well as child sexual abuse survivors. Many priest abuse survivors have been given a second chance to file lawsuits against their abusers and the responsible dioceses.

The New York dioceses have paid millions in settlements. Several of the dioceses have also filed for bankruptcy in the wake of these lawsuits.

Were You Abused by a Priest in New York?

You May Have Rights to Legal Compensation

New York Priest Abuse Lawsuits For Survivors of Adult Abuse

New York’s Adult Survivors Act creates a “look back” window for people who were abused in New York after they turned 18. The window will last one year, from November 24, 2022, to November 24, 2023. During this time, clergy abuse survivors can file abuse lawsuits, even if their case would otherwise be barred by New York’s statute of limitations.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed this bill into law on May 24, 2022. Its “look back” provision is similar to the one the CVA provided to survivors who were abused as children. Under the Adult Survivors Act, people may file civil lawsuits against clergy members who abused them. They may also file against churches or dioceses who enabled or protected abusers.

The Adult Survivors Act gives clergy abuse survivors an important opportunity to seek justice. It can take victims years to talk about their abuse. Some survivors may need time to come to terms with their experiences. Or it may take time for them to feel it is safe enough to report their abuse.

This new New York law acknowledges these realities by reviving time-barred civil lawsuits. The Adult Survivors Act gives survivors abused as adults new legal options and an opportunity for compensation, if that abuse occurred in New York.

You May Have New Legal Rights

Speak With Our Lawyers About New York’s Statutes Today

New York Priest Abuse Lawsuits For Survivors Of Childhood Abuse

By passing the CVA, New York lawmakers expanded the legal deadlines for child sexual abuse claims. Additionally, the CVA opened a one-year “look back” window that revived time-barred abuse cases. These expanded deadlines allowed more survivors to file clergy sex abuse lawsuits in the state of New York.

When New York opened its one-year “look back” window, victims filed more than 400 lawsuits on the first day. As of May 2022, survivors have filed more than 11,000 lawsuits against the New York Catholic dioceses. Additionally, four of the eight New York dioceses filed for bankruptcy amid the growing number of claims. 

Many clergy abuse survivors have received compensation and a sense of justice through legal action. New York’s “look back” window closed on August 14, 2021. Now that the “look-back” window is closed, survivors of childhood sexual abuse must follow the relevant state legal deadlines to file a claim.

Clergy Abuse Settlements In New York

Throughout the years, the New York dioceses have paid hundreds of clergy abuse survivors through clergy abuse settlements and compensation fund payouts

For example, the Albany Diocese has reportedly paid more than $9 million to settle the abuse claims of nearly 100 survivors. One of these settlements paid $997,500 to a single survivor in 1997. 

By 2019, the Ogdensburg Diocese had reportedly paid a total of $5 million in settlements.

2018 | Brooklyn Diocese Pays $27.5 Million Settlement

In September 2018, the Brooklyn Diocese agreed to pay $27.5 million to settle claims with four clergy abuse survivors. Each survivor received nearly $7 million. An unnamed after-school program also contributed to the settlement.

New York Dioceses Compensation Funds

In an effort to compensate victims and avoid costly lawsuits, the Catholic dioceses of New York each created a victim compensation program. According to the Democrat & Chronicle, in just two years, these programs resolved more than 1,260 claims of sexual misconduct across the state of New York. The programs paid more than $228 million in compensation to settle victims’ claims.

These programs are no longer taking claims. However, if a victim was abused by a Catholic clergy member in the New York dioceses, they may file a lawsuit against the responsible diocese.

DioceseSettlementVictims
Albany Diocese$3,000,00040+
Brooklyn Diocese$90,000,000Unknown
Buffalo Diocese$17,500,000100+
New York Archdiocese$64,000,000300+
Ogdensburg Diocese$5,500,00039
Rochester DioceseUnknownUnknown
Rockville Centre DioceseUnknownUnknown
Syracuse Diocese$10,922,50079

New York Dioceses Bankruptcies

Currently, four of the eight Catholic dioceses in New York have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to sexual abuse allegations. These dioceses are four of more than twenty dioceses or religious orders that have filed for bankruptcy in the United States.

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is used to protect businesses that are struggling financially. The process evaluates and reorganizes a business’ assets. In doing so, a business can pay off debts while maintaining enough capital to continue functioning properly.

The Diocese of Ogdensburg has also considered filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to a large number of pending abuse lawsuits and the related budgetary issues.

Buffalo Diocese Bankruptcy

In February 2020, the Diocese of Buffalo filed for bankruptcy. Abuse survivors were required to file a claim with the bankruptcy court by the bar date—August 14, 2021. This bar date was set to intentionally coincide with the filing end date of the Child Victims Act “look back” window.

A bar date in a bankruptcy proceeding is the deadline for creditors (victims) to file a claim with the court.

Rochester Diocese Bankruptcy

In September 2019, the Diocese of Rochester filed for bankruptcy. Abuse survivors were required to file a bankruptcy claim against the Diocese of Rochester by August 13, 2020.

Rockville Centre Diocese Bankruptcy

In October 2020, the Diocese of Rockville Centre filed for bankruptcy. Abuse survivors were required to file a claim with the bankruptcy court by August 14, 2021. This bar date intentionally coincided with the filing end date of the Child Victims Act “look back” window.

Syracuse Diocese Bankruptcy

In June 2020, the Diocese of Syracuse filed for bankruptcy. Abuse survivors were required to file a bankruptcy claim against the Syracuse Diocese by April 15, 2021.

Child Sex Abuse Statutes Of Limitations In New York

In February 2019, lawmakers signed the New York Child Victims Act (CVA) into law. This act expanded legal protections for victims of child sexual abuse in two significant ways:

  • The CVA extended the statute of limitations to file criminal and civil charges against a sexual abuser.
  • The CVA opened a “look back” window during which any sexual abuse survivor could file a civil claim against their abuser. 

A statute of limitations (SOL) is a type of law that defines a legal deadline. SOLs vary based on the jurisdiction, the crime and the intended legal action (i.e., criminal charges versus a civil claim).

Civil Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In New York

Survivors of child sexual abuse may file a civil claim anytime until they reach the age of 55. Before the CVA, survivors had to file a civil claim before turning 23.

This new civil statute is not retroactive. Alone, the statute fails to revive many older cases of abuse in New York State. To remedy this issue and help time-barred survivors, lawmakers included a legal “look back” window in the CVA. 

An experienced New York priest abuse lawyer can help you file a clergy abuse claim under the correct statute.

New York’s “Look Back” Window For Survivors Abused as Children

Apart from extending the legal deadline to file claims, the CVA opened a one-year “look back” window. 

For one year, anyone in the state of New York who was sexually abused as a child could file a civil claim against their abuser. This included victims with older, expired cases who would not otherwise have been able to file a lawsuit, even according to the newer statutes.

The one-year window opened on August 14, 2019. The window was originally scheduled to close on August 13, 2020. However, state lawmakers extended the window amid court disruptions caused by COVID-19.

In May 2020, former Governor Cuomo announced a five-month extension for the window. Later that month, New York State lawmakers in the Senate and Assembly passed legislation to extend the “look back” window further by one year. Cuomo signed this bill into law on August 3, 2020.

The CVA’s “look back” window closed on August 14, 2021Survivors filed more than 11,000 lawsuits in a four-year period.

Criminal Statutes For Child Sex Abuse In New York

In the state of New York, two types of criminal charges relate to child sexual abuse. Depending on the severity of the crime, sexual abuse may be categorized as a felony or a misdemeanor. The CVA adopted two different criminal statutes based on the severity of the crime.

Felony – Felony charges against an abuser can be filed anytime until the victim turns 28 years old. Before the CVA was enacted, criminal felony charges could not be filed after a victim reached 23 years of age.

Misdemeanor – Misdemeanor charges must be filed before the victim reaches the age of 25. Before the CVA, misdemeanor charges were only valid until a victim reached 20 years of age.

If a victim reports abuse to law enforcement, state prosecutors may choose to press criminal charges against the abuser.

List Of Priests Accused Of Abuse In NY

This list includes the names of clergy members and New York priests accused of abuse. 

It does not include staff members, volunteers or congregation members accused of abuse in the New York dioceses. However, you may still be able to file a claim against your abuser. 

If you or a loved one has been abused by a Catholic priest or clergy member in the state of New York, contact us now about your legal rights. We want to hear from you and help you obtain the justice you deserve.

Survivors May Be Eligible For Compensation

Learn About Filing a Lawsuit in New York


There Are 183 Accused Clergy Members From The Archdiocese Of New York, NY:


There Are 142 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Brooklyn, NY:


There Are 116 Accused Clergy Members From The Diocese Of Buffalo, NY:


If you believe the Catholic priest you are searching for may face abuse allegations in another state, use our nationwide searchable database of accused clergy members.

If you do not see the name you are looking for on our New York list or in our database, it does not mean you are not able to file a claim against your abuser. This list will expand as more cases of abuse are discovered. Speak with our attorneys today to learn more about your legal options.

History Of Clergy Abuse In New York

Abuse allegations in the New York dioceses span decades. In recent years, the state attorney general’s office began investigating historical clergy abuse in New York State.

2018 | New York Catholic Church Investigation

In 2018, a Pennsylvania grand jury published a report about clergy abuse in the state. Later that year, inspired by Pennsylvania’s report, New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood launched a similar investigation. The investigation is looking into each of the eight New York Catholic dioceses. 

As a result of the New York investigation, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against the Buffalo Diocese in November 2020. The lawsuit accuses the diocese and at least two bishops of covering up allegations of abuse

One of the bishops named in the lawsuit is Richard J. Malone. Malone resigned in 2019.

The investigation into the other Catholic dioceses of New York is ongoing.

New York Priest Abuse Victim Resources

There are helpful resources and organizations all across the state of New York for victims of sexual violence. To find your local rape crisis program, visit our table below:

New York Sexual Violence Programs by County

CountyFacility NamePhone Number(s)
Albany
Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence CenterHotline: 518-447-7716
Office: 518-447-7100
AlleganyCattaraugus Community Action, Inc.Hotline: 888-945-3970
Office: 716-945-1041
BronxKingsbridge Heights Community CenterOffice: 718-884-0700 ext. 100
BronxBronx District Attorney’s Office
Crime Victims Assistance Unit
Hotline: 800-862-2637
Office: 718-590-2114
BronxBronx Child Advocacy
CenterSafe Horizon
Hotline: 1-800-621-SAFE (4673)
BroomeCrime Victims Assistance Center, Inc. Hotline: 607-722-4256
Office: 607-723-3200
CattaraugusCattaraugus Community Action, Inc.Hotline: 888-945-3970
Office: 716-945-1041
CayugaCayuga Counseling ServicesOffice: 315-253-9795
ChautauquaThe Salvation ArmyHotline: 800-252-8748
Office: 716-661-3897
ChemungSexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
Planned Parenthood
Hotline: 888-810-0093
ChenangoLiberty Resources
Help Restore Hope Center
Hotline: 855-966-9723
ClintonSexual Assault Services (SAS)
Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc.
Hotline: 1-877-212-2323
Office: 518-561-4430
ColumbiaThe REACH CenterMental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties, Inc.Hotline: 518-828-5556
Office: 518-828-4619
CortlandYWCA Aid to Victims of ViolenceHotline: 1-800-336-9622
Hotline: 607-756-6363

Office: 607-753-3639
DelawareSAFE Against Violence
Delaware Opportunities Inc.
Hotline: 1-866-457-7233
Hotline: 607-746-6278

Office: 607-746-1720
DutchessVictim Services
Family Services, Inc.
Hotline: 845-452-7272
Office: 845-452-1110
ErieCrisis Services, Inc.Hotline: 716-834-3131
EssexSexual Assault Services (SAS)
Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc.
Hotline: 1-877-212-2323
Office: 518-561-4430
FranklinSexual Assault Services (SAS)
Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, Inc.
Hotline: 1-877-212-2323
Office: 518-561-4430
FultonSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
GeneseeRESTORE Sexual Assault ServicesHotline: 1-800-527-1757
GreeneThe REACH CenterMental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties, Inc.Hotline: 518-828-5556
Office: 518-943-4482
HamiltonSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
HerkimerChild Advocacy Center (CAC) of Herkimer CountyYWCA Mohawk ValleyHotline: 315-866-4120
Office: 315-895-0349
JeffersonVictims Assistance Center of Jefferson CountyHotline: 315-782-1855
Office: 315-782-1823
KingsCrime Victims Treatment CenterOffice: 212-523-4728
KingsBrooklyn Child Advocacy Center
Safe Horizon
Hotline: 1-800-621-SAFE (4673)
KingsCAMBA, Inc.Hotline: 800-310-2449
LewisLewis County Opportunities, Inc.Hotline: 315-376-HELP (4357)
Office: 315-376-8202 ext. 4
LivingstonRESTORE Sexual Assault ServicesHotline: 1-800-527-1757
MadisonLiberty Resources
Help Restore Hope Center
Hotline: 855-966-9723
MonroeRESTORE Sexual Assault ServicesHotline: 1-585-546-2777
MontgomerySexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
NassauThe Safe Center LI, Inc.Hotline: 516-542-0404
Office: 516-465-4700
New YorkCrime Victims Treatment CenterOffice: 212-523-4728
New YorkNYC Alliance Against Sexual AssaultHotline: 212-514-SAFE (7233)
Office: 212-229-0345
New YorkVictim Services
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
Office: 212-420-5632
New YorkSexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI)
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
Office: 212-423-2140
New YorkNew York City Anti-Violence ProjectHotline: 212-714-1141
NiagaraYWCA of NiagaraHotline: 716-433-6716
OneidaYWCA of the Mohawk ValleyHotline: 315-797-7740
OnondagaVera HouseHotline: 315-468-3260
Office: 315-425-0818
OntarioSafe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.Hotline: 1-800-247-7273
Office: 315-781-1093
OrangeMental Health Association of Orange County, Inc.Hotline: 800-832-1200
OrleansRESTORE Sexual Assault ServicesHotline: 1-800-527-1757
OswegoOswego County Opportunities, Inc.Hotline: 315-342-1600
Office: 315-342-7532
OtsegoViolence Intervention Program
Opportunities for Otsego, Inc.
Hotline: 607-432-4855
Office: 607-433-8038
PutnamPutnam-Northern Westchester
Women’s Resource Center
Hotline: 845-628-2166
Office: 845-628-9284
QueensSexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI)
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
Office: 212-423-2140
QueensQueens Sexual Assault-Domestic Violence Program
NYC Health + Hospitals
Office: 718-883-4205
QueensQueens Community Program
Safe Horizon
Hotline: 1-855-234-1042
Office: 718-899-1233
QueensThe Violence Intervention and Treatment Program (VITP)
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center (WHMC)
Office: 718-906-3857
RensselaerSexual Assault and Crime Victims Assistance Program
Samaritan Hospital
St. Peter’s Health Partners
Hotline: 518-271-3257
Office: 518-271-3410
RichmondStaten Island Community Program
Safe Horizon
Hotline: 1-855-234-1042
Office: 718-720-2591
RocklandCenter For Safety & Change, Inc.Hotline: 845-634-3344
SaratogaWellspringHotline: 518-584-8188
Office: 518-583-0280
SaratogaSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
SchenectadySexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-518-346-2266
SchoharieSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-518-346-2266
SchuylerSexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
Planned Parenthood
Hotline: 888-810-0093
SenecaSafe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.Hotline: 1-800-247-7273
Office: 315-568-4200
St. LawrenceSt. Lawrence Valley Renewal House for Victims of Family Violence, Inc.Hotline: 315-379-9845
SteubenSexual Assault Resource Center (SARC)
Planned Parenthood
Hotline: 888-810-0093
SuffolkVIBESHotline: 631-360-3606
SuffolkCrime Victims Center, Inc.
Parents for Megan’s Law
Hotline: 631-332-9234
Office: 631-689-2672
SuffolkL.I. Against Domestic ViolenceHotline: 631-666-8833
Office: 631-666-7181
SullivanRISE Program Catskill Regional Medical CenterHotline: 845-791-9595
Office: 845-794-3300 ext. 2440
TiogaA New Hope CenterHotline: 607-687-6866
Hotline: 1-800-696-7600

Office: 607-687-6887
TompkinsThe Advocacy Center of Tompkins CountyHotline: 607-277-5000
UlsterCrime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP)Hotline: 845-340-3442
Office: 845-340-3443
WarrenSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
WashingtonSexual Assault Support Services
Planned Parenthood Mohawk-Hudson
Hotline: 1-866-307-4086
WashingtonWellspringHotline: 518-584-8188
Office: 518-583-0280
WayneVictim Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, Inc.Hotline: (800) 456-1172
Office: (315) 331-1171
WestchesterVictims Assistance Services of Westchester Community Opportunity ProgramHotline: (914) 345-9111
Hotline: (855) 827-2255

Office: (914) 345-3113
WestchesterSexual Assault, Abuse and Victim’s Empowerment (SAAVE)
Westchester Medical Center’s Crisis Intervention Program
Hotline: (833) 220-2444
WyomingRESTORE Sexual Assault ServicesHotline: 1-800-527-1757
YatesSafe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.Hotline: 1-800-247-7273
Office: 315-568-4200
Source:New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault

New York Priest Abuse FAQs

What Is The Statute Of Limitations On Priest Sexual Abuse In New York?

In New York, to sue an abusive priest or responsible diocese, a survivor must file a civil lawsuit before they reach the age of 55.

Learn more about child sexual abuse statutes in New York here >

How Do I Report Sexual Abuse By A Priest In New York?

Emergency Call Icon

If you or a suspected victim is in danger, call 911 immediately.

There are several hotlines New York residents can use to report cases of sexual abuse:

  • To report cases in New York State, call the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906.
  • To report cases in New York City, call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or dial 311.

Report Sexual Abuse & Assault

Visit Our Resource Page to Learn More

You can also report incidents of clergy abuse to the relevant diocese:

  • Report Abuse To The New York Archdiocese

    Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Albany Diocese

    Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 518-453-6646

  • Report Abuse To The Brooklyn Diocese

    Phone: 888-634-4499

  • Report Abuse To The Buffalo Diocese

    Jacqueline Joy | Victims Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 716-895-3010
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Ogdensburg Diocese

    Terrianne Yanulavich, LMHC, PhD. | Victims Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 518-651-2267
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Rochester Diocese

    Deborah A. Housel | Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 585-328-3210, ext. 1555
    Email: [email protected]

  • Report Abuse To The Rockville Centre Diocese

    Phone: 516-594-9063

  • Report Abuse To The Syracuse Diocese

    Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator
    Phone: 315-470-1465

New York Clergy Abuse News

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Ron Meneo, Managing Partner at Meneo Law Group.

Meneo Group managing partner: Ron Meneo

Ron Meneo is the managing partner of The Meneo Law Group. With more than 40 years of experience, he represents clients across the country on a variety of complex legal matters, including personal injury due to institutional sexual abuse, unsafe pharmaceutical drugs and other practice areas. He is a recipient of Martindale-Hubbell’s prestigious AV® Preeminent Rating. He has also served as an editor and contributor for several legal journals.

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