Sexual Assault by Law Enforcement Lawyers in Rochester, NY

New York’s Dirty Secret: Police Sexual Assault and the Law

Sexual assault is traumatic enough. But when the attacker is a cop—the person you’re supposed to trust to protect you? That’s a whole different level of betrayal. Sexual assault by law enforcement isn’t just a violation of trust—it’s a crime that destroys lives, and it happens more often than people realize.

This happens more than people think, and it’s not your fault. New York law is clear: no one is above the law—not even the police. The civil rights lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, are ready to aggressively enforce the laws that protect you. When the predator wears a badge, people on their own find it’s a lot harder to fight back. Too many victims are silenced. Too many cases get swept under the rug.

It’s why we’re here. At Horn Wright, LLP, our Rochester civil rights attorneys fight for people like you—people who’ve been violated by the very system meant to protect them. If a police officer has sexually assaulted you, we’ll stand with you, fight for you, and make sure your voice is heard.

Why So Many Victims Stay Silent – And Why You Can’t Afford To

Fear. Shame. Power. These are the weapons dirty cops use to keep victims quiet. They count on you feeling too scared to speak up. They want you to think no one will believe you. And let’s be honest—the system is built to protect them, not you.

But silence lets them win.

If you don’t speak out, they keep doing this. To you. To others. The cycle keeps going. But when you stand up, when you take that terrifying first step—you take back control. You send a message: you’re not backing down.

It’s not easy. We won’t pretend it is. But you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to fight for you every step of the way.

Your Power Move: What To Do After a Police Officer Assaults You

The moment after an assault, everything feels like a blur. You might feel frozen, panicked, or unsure of what to do next. That’s okay. Take a breath. Here’s what you can do:

• Get to safety – If you’re still near the officer, leave. Go somewhere safe—whether it’s a friend’s house, a shelter, or even a public place where they can’t follow.
• Get medical care – Even if you’re not physically injured, a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) can collect crucial evidence. In Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital has forensic nurses trained to help survivors.
• Write down everything – Every detail matters. The officer’s name, badge number, patrol car number, time, place—everything you can remember. Write it down while it’s fresh in your mind.
• Reach out for support – You don’t have to go through this alone. Groups like RESTORE Sexual Assault Services and Willow Domestic Violence Center offer confidential help.
• Talk to a lawyer before making a report – You need someone in your corner before you step into the legal system. Don’t go to Internal Affairs or the police without legal protection. We can help.

The sooner you take action, the stronger your case. But no matter when you reach out, we’ll be here.

Think You Can’t Report a Cop in Rochester? Think Again.

You might think there’s no way to report an officer without it backfiring. But that’s not true. You do have options. Here’s how you can fight back in Rochester:

File a complaint with Internal Affairs – The Rochester Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is required to investigate misconduct reports. But fair warning: they’re part of the system.

Go to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office – If IA won’t act, the DA’s office can launch its own investigation and file charges.

Contact outside watchdogs – Groups like the New York Attorney General’s Office and civil rights organizations can apply pressure and expose misconduct.

Get legal protection first – Before you make any official reports, talk to a lawyer. You need someone watching your back. We’ll make sure your complaint isn’t ignored—or worse, turned against you.

When a Cop Tries to Silence You, Here’s How You Fight Back

If a police officer is threatening you, intimidating you, or trying to shut you up—you’ve got to act fast. Here’s what you can do:

• Save everything – Texts, emails, voicemails, even notes about in-person conversations. Every shred of evidence counts.
• Tell someone you trust – Having a witness makes it harder for them to deny what they’re doing.
• Talk to a lawyer ASAP – We can file legal actions to protect you from retaliation.
• Report it—strategically – Don’t go straight to IA. Instead, report threats to outside agencies or advocacy groups first. That way, they can’t control the narrative.

You do have rights. And we’ll make sure you can use them.

The “Blue Wall of Silence” Is Real – But It Won’t Protect Them Forever

Cops protect their own. Always have. Always will. The “Blue Wall of Silence” is real, and it’s the reason so many sexual assault by law enforcement cases never see the light of day.

But walls crack.

When victims speak up, when lawyers push back, when the truth comes out—that wall starts to crumble. Officers can be held accountable. They do lose their badges. They do face consequences.

Filing a civil rights violation lawsuit can bring your case into the public eye and force the system to answer for its failures. You don’t just deserve justice—you deserve to make sure this never happens to anyone else.

Recognized as One of the Best Law Firms in America

At Horn Wright, LLP, we’ve built a reputation for taking on tough cases—and winning. We’ve been recognized as one of the best law firms in America because we fight for justice, no matter who we’re up against.

If you need to understand your victim rights against police or how to seek justice after sexual assault by law enforcement, we’re here to guide you.

Call us for a confidential consultation. Let’s take back your power—together.