A jury in Atlantic County, New Jersey awarded $3 million to Rachel Neufeld-Del Rossi, a survivor of child sexual abuse by former Margate City lifeguard Steven Allen Chasens. The verdict, comprising $1.75 million in compensatory damages and $1.25 million in punitive damages, was delivered after a five-day trial that detailed the prolonged abuse Neufeld-Del Rossi endured from age 15. Evidence presented included letters, cards, photos, and plane tickets showing how Chasens groomed and abused her in New Jersey and transported her to locations like Florida and the Cayman Islands for continued abuse.
Despite Chasens' denial, the jury found him responsible for sexual battery, violations of the New Jersey Human Trafficking Act, and intentionally inflicting harm. Jeffrey Fritz, attorney for Neufeld-Del Rossi from the firm Soloff & Zervanos, praised the jury's decision, emphasizing accountability for perpetrators. Neufeld-Del Rossi expressed relief and vindication, acknowledging the Child Victims Act's role in enabling her to seek justice decades later. This case underscores the critical importance of legislation like the Child Victims Act, which allows survivors to pursue legal action regardless of time passed.
The verdict represents not only a personal victory for Neufeld-Del Rossi but also serves as a beacon of hope for other survivors seeking justice. The case demonstrates how legal frameworks can empower victims to confront abusers and obtain compensation for their suffering. For more information on legal resources for survivors, visit https://www.njcourts.gov. The outcome may influence how similar cases are approached in New Jersey and beyond, potentially encouraging more survivors to come forward.
This ruling highlights the enduring impact of childhood trauma and the legal system's capacity to address historical abuses. It reinforces the necessity of robust victim protection laws and the judicial process in delivering meaningful redress. The substantial damages awarded signal society's condemnation of such crimes and recognition of survivors' long-term suffering. This precedent could strengthen enforcement of the New Jersey Human Trafficking Act in abuse contexts. For details on survivor support services, refer to https://www.nj.gov/dcf.
