Daytop Village: Understanding the Abuse Allegations

Hello everybody. My name is Jen Newsome. Today we’re going to be talking about the Daytop Village sex abuse lawsuit. Now for context, Dayto Village in Mendham, New Jersey was once considered one of the state’s top substance abuse treatment facilities for teenagers. Unfortunately, behind closed doors, many residents say that they were subjected to horrific sexual abuse by the very staff who were supposed to help them. The facility operated from 1992 to 2020, and during that time, it faced numerous allegations of staff misconduct. Two former employees were even criminally convicted. One, a social worker and former priest who abused multiple male teens in 2004, and another, an art teacher who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing residents in 2014. Now, in 2025, dozens of survivors have filed lawsuits against Daytop, its affiliates, and the state of New Jersey itself. They say the abuse was widespread and routine, describing being groped, raped, threatened, and in some cases, drugged by staff. Some were told that they would be removed from the program if they didn’t comply. The survivors alleged that both Daytop administrators and the state’s Department of Children and Families failed to protect them, allowing this abuse to continue for decades.

If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse at Daytop Village, even if it happened years ago, you are not alone and you do have rights. You have the right to report abuse to law enforcement. While criminal prosecutors may or may not bring charges, filing a report creates a vitally important critical record of what happened. You also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the individuals themselves and the institutions that failed to protect you. Survivors may be entitled to compensation for their medical bills, therapy, pain and suffering, and other losses. Under New Jersey law, survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a lawsuit until their 55th birthday or within 7 years of realizing the harm that the abuse caused. And since 1996, there have been no criminal statute of limitations for most major sex crimes in the state.

Here at Helping Survivors, we connect survivors with trauma-informed attorneys who understand the complexities of institutional abuse cases. These lawyers offer free consultations, work on a contingency fee basis, and can guide you through the legal process both confidentially and without pressure. If you or someone you know suffered abuse at Daytop, please contact us today. Helping Survivors is here to listen, support, and help you take the next legal step towards justice.