If you were harmed by sexual abuse or assault, you should call the trusted New York City sexual assault lawyers of Phillips & Associates. As our society grows more aware of gender-motivated violence, more people come forward to seek civil and criminal remedies. Prominent civil cases have been brought against music mogul Sean Combs, better known as P. Diddy, for sexual abuse and sexual assault, and these cases can be brought against others who have sexually assaulted or abused their victims in New York City. Here are frequently asked questions about those types of lawsuits.
Which law firms are suing P. Diddy / Sean Combs?
Phillips & Associates and other law firms are representing women who were sexually assaulted and abused by P. Diddy / Sean. The first accuser was singer, model, and actress Cassie, who was Combs’s long-time romantic partner. She alleged that Combs raped and repeatedly abused her for more than 10 years. Subsequently, two other accusers, including Phillips & Associates’ client Joi Dickerson-Neal, filed a lawsuit against Combs alleging that the latest accuser had given them confidence to tell her story of sexual assault by Combs, who denied the allegations. Early in December 2023, a victim alleged that Combs gang-raped and sex trafficked her when she was 17 and he was 35 after she was plied with alcohol and drugs and taken across state lines to Combs’s recording studio.
If you were similarly assaulted and abused, it’s important to seek out legal representation from Phillips & Associates, a law firm with years of experience pursuing damages for victims of sexual assault and sexual abuse.
What law was P. Diddy sued under?
The lawsuit was filed under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which offers survivors of gender-motivated violence until March 1, 2025, to file civil lawsuits. The law firm of Phillips & Associates offers tenacious and effective representation to victims of sexual assault and abuse. Our lawyers may be able to bring a lawsuit on your behalf under the law that Combs was sued under for sexually violent acts that occurred any time in the past. Our firm can also bring suit against other laws that may apply, in order to achieve best results in cases similar to those filed against P. Diddy.
What rights do survivors of sexual assaults have in New York City?
Survivors of sexual assaults that are based on gender receive protection under the New York City Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which is codified in the New York City Administrative Code. This law allows you, as a victim of sexual assault, to pursue damages in a lawsuit not only from your abusers but also any entities responsible for the assault. The law was recently amended such that a survivor of sexual abuse has a 2-year window to file claims over gender-motivated assaults that occurred at any point of time in the past, not only within the statute of limitations period. The window opened on March 1, 2023, and will close on March 1, 2025. Depending on the context of the assault, such as when it occurred and where, other forms of relief may be available.
What is gender-motivated sexual assault?
Gender-motivated sexual assault is gender-based violence that causes physical, psychological, and economic harm. New York courts have found that forcible, nonconsensual acts of sexual assault and sex abuse constitute acts of violence that are motivated by the victim’s gender.
Under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, both female and male survivors of sexual abuse in any of the five boroughs of New York City can file a civil lawsuit for financial compensation regardless of the gender of the abuser. Moreover during the window when the statute of limitations is relaxed, these types of lawsuits can be filed no matter how long ago there was abuse.
Can I Recover Damages?
Yes, you can recover damages if our sexual assault lawyers are able to prove your case under applicable laws. A victim of violence motivated by his or her gender can recover monetary damages in a lawsuit against the perpetrator of the assault or abuse under the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law. However, this lawsuit, as well as any other civil claims for assault, battery, and sexual harassment, is distinct from a criminal prosecution. It is important to be aware that evidence sought and obtained in the criminal prosecution may have an impact on your civil case, and for that reason, it’s important to call our lawyers right away if you believe you may have a claim.
Consult a Seasoned Sexual Assault Attorney About a Claim
The New York City sexual assault lawyers of Phillips & Associates may be able to represent you in a lawsuit for damages. Complete our online form or call us at (212) 248-7431. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we won’t recover our fees unless we secure compensation for you and offer free consultations.