Yeshiva Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Representing Sexual Abuse Survivors Nationwide

Religion offers us spiritual support and a sense of belonging, which is why many parents choose to have their children educated in academies that embrace religious life and learning. In the U.S., there are few examples of such a robust religious learning experience as the yeshiva.

Yeshivas can be found in cities across the country, but are most notable in New York City, New Jersey, and other communities with large Orthodox populations. While yeshivas offer students an immersive experience studying Jewish texts and tradition, they are often rigidly committed to religious studies, offer few secular courses, and give students limited opportunities to engage in other communities. This in and of itself is not necessarily a bad thing; however, it can create the type of deeply insulated society where sexual abuse thrives.

If you are looking to explore your options for pursuing a civil sexual abuse lawsuit against a Yeshiva, The Zalkin Law Firm is here to help. Give us a call today at (800) 477-2989 to request your free initial consultation.

Proven Experience in Religious Sexual Abuse Cases

The Zalkin Law Firm has represented thousands of abuse survivors across the country, including survivors who were sexually abused in yeshivas and other Jewish institutions. We have a great deal of insight into these communities, and know child sexual abuse is often far more common than followers, students, and the public are led to believe.

Our nationally recognized trial team has recovered millions in compensation for survivors in a range of religious sexual abuse cases. Examples of our results include:

• $10.5 million settlement in a multi-victim case against religious group home
• $8 million settlement in a multi-victim case against religious leader and institution
• $1 million settlement against religious school for sexual abuse that occurred over 20 years ago.
• $450,000 settlement for a 33-year-old male abused as a minor by religious leader

In addition to helping parents and families step forward with claims against a Yeshiva and affiliated institutions, our firm also represents adults who were sexually abused as children. Thanks to new legislation, such as the New York Child Victims Act, many adult survivors have the right to pursue civil claims over childhood sexual abuse, even if the abuse occurred many years ago.

Our attorneys can help adult survivors determine whether they have grounds to pursue legal action based on the facts of their cases.

Sexual Abuse in Yeshivas

Sexual abuse takes many forms, but when it occurs in a Yeshiva, survivors often face incredible pressure from religious leaders to not report abuse. For young children who know no other sense of community, this can be a deeply troubling predicament, and one that leads to considerable emotional and psychological suffering.

Unfortunately, there is a real problem with sexual abuse in Yeshivas, Orthodox communities, and other Jewish educational institutions. No matter what form abuse may take, however, a Rosh Yeshiva, Mashgiach, Mashpia, Menahel, and other yeshiva officials are legally obligated to report abuse to law enforcement, investigate allegations, and take steps to prevent abuse and protect children.

When rabbis, religious leaders, and school personnel ignore allegations from students, or work to willfully cover them up, they fail to uphold the legal duties they owe students and their families. In some cases, they may endanger other students by not removing or reporting credibly accused offenders.

By stepping forward to share your story, you not only give yourself an opportunity to obtain the justice you deserve; you can play a large role in preventing abuse from happening to others, and ensuring your Yeshiva takes steps to improve its policies when it comes to any type of sexual abuse or misconduct claim.

What’s more, a civil lawsuit can also allow you to seek a financial recovery of your damages, which may include compensation for:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological anguish
• Medical or mental health expenses
• Future medical or mental health services
• Other economic and non-economic damages arising from abuse

Call to Request a Free & Confidential Case Review

Taking action against a Yeshiva and religious leaders can see like a daunting task for students, former students, and families who fear being ostracized from their communities. However, it is that fear which allows so many students to be abused, so many wrongdoers to remain unpunished, and many yeshivas to perpetuate a cycle of abuse and cover-ups.

At The Zalkin Law Firm, our attorneys know it takes tremendous courage to speak up about childhood sexual abuse, especially in the context of abuse in Yeshivas and religious schools. It is why we are so passionate about providing real and personalized support to our clients, and why we are aggressive in leveraging our experience and resources to litigate their claims.

If you wish to discuss a potential case anywhere in the U.S., our Yeshiva sexual abuse lawyers offer free case evaluations. Contact us to speak with an attorney.