In a powerful step forward for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, the Supreme Court of New York County has denied motions for summary judgment filed by the Archdiocese of New York and St. Matthew School. This decision allows our client’s case, brought under New York’s Child Victims Act, to move forward toward trial. ¹
The lawsuit alleges that, between 1981 and 1983, our client was repeatedly sexually abused by a teacher and basketball coach while attending St. Matthew School. The complaint further asserts that the Archdiocese and the school were negligent in failing to prevent the abuse and in hiring and supervising the perpetrator, Michael O’Hara.
The defendants moved to dismiss the case, arguing they had no actual or constructive notice of O’Hara’s abusive behavior and owed no duty of care. However, the Court found these arguments insufficient. Citing prior allegations of abuse dating back to 1966, complaints made in 1975 and 1979 to Archdiocesan officials, and disturbing patterns of behavior within the school setting, the Court held that there is enough evidence for a jury to reasonably conclude that the defendants knew or should have known about the risk O’Hara posed to students.
The Court also emphasized that the abuse occurred not only in O’Hara’s apartment but also on school grounds—inside the gymnasium, behind the stage curtain, and in the library—raising questions about the adequacy of supervision provided by the school and the Archdiocese.
Importantly, the Court reaffirmed that educational and religious institutions that assume custody of children are required to provide supervision comparable to that of a reasonably prudent guardian. The ruling underscores that institutions cannot escape liability simply by asserting a lack of direct knowledge, especially where systemic red flags and prior complaints existed.
This decision represents another crucial step forward in holding institutions accountable under the Child Victims Act and affirms the rights of survivors to have their voices heard in court.
At Herman Law, we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice for school sexual abuse survivors and continue our fight to ensure that those responsible, including the institutions that failed to protect children in their care, are held accountable.
¹ R.G. v. Archdiocese of N.Y., 2025 NY Slip Op 31699[U] (Sup Ct, NY County 2025).