Sex abuse claims in the Catholic Church in New York

A new lookback window for certain previously time-barred claims opened in November 2023 under the Adult Survivors Act for adult victims, but a separate March 2025 bill created an additional narrow window for previously CVA-barred claims. Survivors who missed the original 2019-2021 window should consult an attorney to determine whether any subsequent window or discovery-rule toll applies to their specific circumstances. Several New York diocese bankruptcy proceedings directly affect civil claims.

The Diocese of Rockville Centre (Long Island) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2020 with approximately 500 abuse claims; the plan of reorganization was confirmed in late 2023 and provides a trust for survivors. The Diocese of Rochester filed for bankruptcy in September 2019; its reorganization plan was also confirmed. The Archdiocese of New York (Manhattan/Bronx/Staten Island) and Diocese of Brooklyn have not filed for bankruptcy and remain subject to direct civil litigation. Survivors with Rockville Centre or Rochester claims must have their rights adjudicated through the respective bankruptcy trusts.

New York survivors can contact the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) at (518) 482-4222, SNAP's New York chapter, and RAINN at 1-800-656-4673. The New York Attorney General's Office investigated dioceses following the CVA and published findings. The Diocese of Brooklyn published credible-accusation lists; other New York dioceses have done the same. CHILD USA tracks all New York SoL and lookback window litigation developments.