Woman wins million from former Margate lifeguard in court for alleged abuse dating back to her teenage years, four decades later.

In a significant legal verdict, a jury in Atlantic City recently held Steven Chasens liable for the sexual assault of Rachel Neufeld Del Rossi, who was 15 at the time of the alleged abuse in 1979. The case, which has garnered considerable media attention, stems from a lawsuit filed by Del Rossi in 2021 under New Jersey’s Child Victims Act. This law enables survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil suits within a specified timeframe.

Del Rossi, now 61 and residing in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, testified that she was subjected to grooming and manipulation by Chasens, who was then a 24-year-old lifeguard in Margate. According to court documents, Del Rossi alleged that Chasens coerced her into crossing state lines to Florida when she was still a minor, offering her drugs and travel arrangements. She claims these actions led to years of emotional and psychological distress.

The trial, overseen by Judge Ralph Paolone, revealed that the jury ruled against Chasens, ultimately awarding Del Rossi million in compensatory and punitive damages. The jury found him liable for assault and battery, human trafficking, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The city of Margate was also named in the lawsuit for allegedly failing to adequately supervise and train its lifeguards. In February, the city agreed to a settlement of 5,000 with Del Rossi, although it denied any wrongdoing. Additionally, another lifeguard, Brendan Bradley, was implicated in the lawsuit. He settled out of court for an undisclosed amount and denied any allegations made against him.

Del Rossi did not report the abuses to law enforcement at the time, only coming to terms with the impact of these experiences in her 30s. Her testimony highlighted the long-lasting repercussions of the abuse, including trust issues and mental health struggles that have persisted over decades.

The verdict against Chasens is seen not only as a legal victory for Del Rossi but also an acknowledgment of the courage it takes for survivors to confront their pasts. Del Rossi’s journey through the legal system has underscored the importance of support for victims and the societal responsibility to address sexual violence. The implications of this case may resonate beyond the courtroom, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions surrounding abuse prevention and survivor rights.

Chasens has denied the allegations, stating that he does not recall the incidents, and his attorney has classified the relationship as consensual once Del Rossi reached the age of 17. The contrast between Chasens’ account and Del Rossi’s narrative paints a complex picture of the circumstances surrounding the case, raising broader questions about consent, power dynamics, and accountability in cases of alleged sexual misconduct.

This landmark verdict serves as a pivotal moment, affirming that the legal system can provide recourse for those affected by historical sexual abuse and highlighting the ongoing need for advocacy and reform in support of victims’ rights.