Sex Offenses Against Children

As further elaborated below, Mr. Rotolo advocated the landmark case of R.L. v. Voytac, 199 N.J. 265 (2009) before the New Jersey Supreme Court. As a result, an adult who suffered abuse as a child is now allowed to pursue justice against his or her abuser even though years have passed.

In the case of R.L. v. Voytac, 199 N.J. 265 (2009), Victor Rotolo won a NJ State Supreme Court decision in favor of a man who had been sexually abused by his stepfather many years ago. The case involved abuse that started in 1987 when the man, identified only as R.L., then 9 years old was abused by his stepfather; the abuse lasted for several years. The Court decided that this man had a right to sue his stepfather even though the civil lawsuit was filed 14 years after the abuse ended. The decision reinstates the case that was thrown out earlier when a trial judge said the time lapse between the abuse and the 2004 lawsuit was too long.

“It’s an important decision,” said Victor Rotolo. “It gives the victims of sexual abuse some understanding. There are lots of reasons kids don’t come forward earlier.”
Sexual abuse of children is among the worst type of offense imaginable. Justice can never be complete for the child victims of sexual abuse, but our legal system at least requires an offender to answer to the criminal justice system and to financially compensate the victim.

If you were a victim of sexual abuse or if you know of anyone, we encourage you to step forward. As a police officer and now as attorney, Victor Rotolo has spent his career protecting people. Call Kearns Rotolo Law for a free half-hour consultation regarding your case.

In New Jersey, every citizen – neighbor, teacher, medical professional, or other individual - who comes into contact with a child and observes behaviors or conditions that might indicate a risk of harm to the child is required by law to report those suspicions. If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE.