Seton Hall University Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a devastating violation of trust, especially when it occurs within institutions that are meant to protect and nurture students. At Helping Survivors, we are committed to providing comprehensive support for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, misconduct, or harassment at Seton Hall University, be it by clergy members, professors, or other staff. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and our goal is to help you understand your options so you can take back control.
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Author: Kathryn Kosmides
- In recent years, Seton Hall University has faced numerous allegations of sexual abuse by clergy members and other authority figures, as well as accusations that university leadership mishandled sexual assault complaints
- Survivors of abuse at Seton Hall have rights and legal options for holding the perpetrator and the institution that enabled them accountable.
- Helping Survivors has the resources, information, and legal connections to assist sexual abuse survivors in seeking justice.
A History of Abuse Allegations at Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University is a private Catholic institution in South Orange, New Jersey, that has faced many allegations of sexual misconduct involving faculty, clergy, and university staff in recent years. Survivors have reported instances of abuse spanning decades, often in settings where they were supposed to be safe, such as classrooms, residence halls, and campus ministries. Many of these survivors did try to seek help by reporting the abuse, but were met with silence, disbelief, or institutional barriers.
Over the years, survivors of abuse at Seton Hall have come forward with allegations of:
- Sexual abuse by clergy members associated with the university
- Misconduct by professors or coaches in positions of authority
- University inaction or mishandling of abuse reports
- A History of Abuse Allegations at Seton Hall University
- Legal Options for Survivors of Seton Hall University Sexual Abuse
- What is the Time Limit to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in New Jersey?
- Developments in Sexual Abuse Claims Against Seton Hall University
- How Helping Survivors Can Support You
- Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
Legal Options for Survivors of Seton Hall University Sexual Abuse
Because of new legal advancements in New Jersey and nationwide, victims who once believed justice was out of reach may now be able to receive compensation through civil lawsuits. These resolutions offer financial recovery and work to expose systemic failures, potentially preventing future abuse.
Civil Lawsuits for Seton Hall University Abuse Survivors
Survivors of sexual abuse can often file a civil claim against the abuser and any institutions that enabled it. In a case against a university like Seton Hall, the university may be held vicariously liable if it mishandled the complaint or allowed the abuse to occur. Civil cases hold the perpetrator and any other legally responsible entities accountable to the victim, providing monetary compensation to the victim for their suffering.
Criminal Charges for Perpetrators
In some cases, it may be possible for the state to pursue criminal charges. In a criminal case, the perpetrator of the abuse is held accountable to the state for breaking the law and can be sentenced to jail time.
New Jersey Victims’ Rights Laws for Abuse Survivors
Over the past several years, New Jersey has updated and enacted new laws that allow survivors of past abuse to take action even if the original statute of limitations has expired. In 2019, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General released a new Sexual Assault Victims Bill of Rights, giving all victims of sexual assault and abuse statewide the rights to:
- Have any allegation of sexual assault or abuse treated seriously and with dignity and compassion.
- Be notified of resources for survivors, regardless of whether the crime is reported to law enforcement.
- Be free from any suggestion that the victim was responsible for the assault.
- Retain these guaranteed rights even if the crime is never reported.
Every instance of sexual abuse and assault is unique, even when they occur at the same university. The Helping Survivors team is here to help you understand what’s possible in your case and connect you with the right resources to move forward.
How to Report Sexual Abuse at Seton Hall University
Reporting sexual abuse at Seton Hall University is a deeply personal and courageous step. Whether the incident happened recently or years ago, you have the right to report it, and you should never be made to feel silenced or dismissed. According to Seton Hall policy, the university must initiate “prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation[s]” of all sexual misconduct allegations.
- Campus Safety and University Police Immediate threats or ongoing danger should be reported to campus police. Seton Hall’s Department of Public Safety can be contacted 24/7 at (973) 761-9300.
- External Reporting Options: Survivors may also bypass university channels and report abuse directly to:
- Local Law Enforcement (South Orange Police Department) – (973) 378-7799
- New Jersey State Police
- U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights
- Clergy Abuse Reports If the abuser was a member of the clergy affiliated with Seton Hall, reports can also be made to the Archdiocese of Newark and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Clergy Abuse Task Force.
You do not need to report the abuse to Seton Hall in order to pursue legal action. You have the right to speak with an attorney first to protect yourself and understand your legal options.
What is the Time Limit to File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit in New Jersey?
The statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases in New Jersey has changed significantly in recent years, opening the door for survivors whose claims were previously time-barred. Many survivors of abuse at Seton Hall University were harmed decades ago but are only now beginning to process the trauma. Now, these survivors may still have time to file a lawsuit, even if the abuse occurred years or decades ago.
- For Adult Survivors: As of December 1, 2019, survivors of sexual abuse or assault that occurred when the victim was over 18 years old have seven years from the date they discover the abuse’s impact to file a civil lawsuit.
- For Child Victims of Abuse: Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until they turn 55 years old or seven years from the date they discover the abuse, whichever is later, to file a civil lawsuit.
Developments in Sexual Abuse Claims Against Seton Hall University
Across the United States, the legal landscape around sexual abuse claims against universities and religious institutions has shifted dramatically in recent years, and Seton Hall is no exception. Despite more survivors than ever standing up to hold negligent institutions accountable, Seton Hall continues to elevate and protect enablers of abuse.
In 2024, Seton Hall restored Monsignor Joseph Reilly to active service, promoting him to university president with the approval of the Archdiocese of Newark. Reilly was removed as seminary and board member in 2022 after being implicated in a sexual abuse scandal involving Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Though Reilly was not accused of abuse himself, an internal investigation concluded that he knew about sexual abuse allegations against McCarrick, but did not report them.
McCarrick was removed from ministry in 2018 after facing sexual abuse and harassment allegations, and Seton Hall’s internal report was released in 2019. Reilly allegedly did not fully cooperate with a subsequent investigation into McCarrick’s abuse. A criminal case against McCarrick was suspended last year due to the ex-cardinal’s dementia, which left him unfit to stand trial.
Clergy Abuse Lawsuits Involving Seton Hall and the Archdiocese of Newark
As a diocesan university, Seton Hall University has deep ties to the Archdiocese of Newark, which has faced numerous lawsuits for its mishandling of clergy sexual abuse allegations. Survivors have come forward to accuse former Seton Hall-affiliated clergy of abuse, and many of these cases are now under legal review. Former students have reported abuse and inappropriate conduct by religious leaders at Seton Hall’s Seminary, which is under investigation. Additionally, some university-associated clergy were reassigned or protected by the church after receiving allegations, raising institutional accountability concerns.
How Helping Survivors Can Support You
At Helping Survivors, our goal is to offer a safe, supportive space for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse at institutions like Seton Hall to receive resources and legal connections. Our team of experienced advocates can:
- Explain your rights under New Jersey law
- Connect you to trauma-informed counseling services and other resources
- Provide guidance on the process of filing civil claims or joining group lawsuits
- Set up confidential consultations with experienced legal professionals
Helping Survivors partners with attorneys who specialize in institutional abuse litigation, including clergy abuse, to ensure you have access to advocates who understand the legal complexities and emotional weight of your experience. If you experienced sexual abuse at Seton Hall University, contact Helping Survivors now for a private, compassionate conversation with a survivor’s advocate. You deserve answers, support, and the opportunity to seek justice.
Want To Speak With A Lawyer?
