A New Jersey civil jury has awarded $3 million to Rachel Neufeld-Del Rossi, a survivor of child sexual abuse, in a landmark case against her abuser, Steven Allen Chasens, a former Margate City lifeguard. The verdict, reached after a five-day trial, includes $1.75 million in compensatory damages and $1.25 million in punitive damages, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed.
The case revealed that Chasens groomed and sexually assaulted Neufeld-Del Rossi starting when she was just 15 years old in 1979, with the abuse continuing for four years. Evidence presented during the trial included letters, cards, photos, and plane tickets, which detailed how Chasens transported her to various locations, including Florida and the Cayman Islands, to continue the abuse. Despite Chasens' denials, the jury found him responsible for sexual battery, violations of the New Jersey Human Trafficking Act, and intentionally inflicting harm.
Jeffrey Fritz, the attorney representing Neufeld-Del Rossi, praised the jury for their decision, highlighting the importance of holding perpetrators accountable. Neufeld-Del Rossi expressed her relief and vindication, stating that the verdict has given her a voice after decades of silence. The case was made possible by the Child Victims Act, a 2019 law that allows survivors of child sexual abuse to seek justice regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.
This verdict not only represents a personal victory for Neufeld-Del Rossi but also serves as a beacon of hope for other survivors of child sexual abuse. It underscores the legal system's capacity to deliver justice and the importance of laws like the Child Victims Act in enabling survivors to confront their abusers. For more information on the Child Victims Act, visit https://www.nj.gov.
