Connecticut woman who sued brother over years of sexual abuse awarded $25M – New York Post

Connecticut Woman Awarded $25 Million in Lawsuit Against Brother for Sexual Abuse

A Manhattan Supreme Court judge issued a decision and judgment Tuesday, awarding Dorothy Farrell compensatory and punitive damages against George Robb, Jr., after he didn’t show up for any of the court hearings, according to court records.

Background

1. Dorothy Farrell, a resident of Connecticut, filed a lawsuit against her older brother, George Robb, Jr., for sexually abusing her as an adolescent.
2. The abuse began in 1971 when Farrell was only 6 years old.
3. Farrell claimed that Robb, who is 10 years older than her, took advantage of his power as her sibling and forced sexual acts upon her repeatedly.
4. She also mentioned that two other sisters were victimized, and Robb threatened them with death if they revealed the abuse.

Legal Proceedings

• Robb, now a resident of Florida, failed to appear for two court hearings where Farrell, forensic experts, and other witnesses testified.
• The Manhattan Supreme Court judge ruled in favor of Farrell, awarding her $25 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Impact and Repercussions

1. The abuse had a devastating effect on Farrell’s childhood and lasted until Robb turned 23.
2. Farrell’s lawsuit highlighted the need for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to come forward and fight for justice.
3. Farrell’s attorney, Mariann Wang, emphasized the courage it takes for survivors to seek justice after enduring trauma and internalizing shame and fear.

Conclusion

The ruling in favor of Dorothy Farrell serves as a significant step towards addressing and preventing sexual abuse. It is crucial to support survivors and work towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, to create a safe and inclusive society for all.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

The article discusses a case of sexual abuse, which is a violation of gender equality and human rights. It also highlights the need for a just and fair legal system to address such cases.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

The article discusses the sexual abuse of a woman during her childhood, highlighting the need to eliminate violence against women and girls. It also mentions the abuse of other sisters, indicating the need to end violence against children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of reported cases of sexual abuse and violence against women and girls.
• Number of convictions and legal actions taken against perpetrators of sexual abuse and violence.
• Number of support services and resources available for survivors of sexual abuse.

The article mentions a lawsuit filed by the survivor of sexual abuse, indicating the reporting of the case. The judgment against the perpetrator also implies legal action taken. The involvement of forensic experts and witnesses in the hearings suggests the availability of support services for survivors.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: nypost.com