Helping Survivors of Dr. Robert Hadden’s Sexual Abuse Speak Out

Dr. Robert Hadden Sexually Abused Patients for Decades

Here’s a brief timeline of Robert Hadden’s career, crimes, and the civil lawsuit:

• 1991: Dr. Robert Hadden started practicing in prestigious Manhattan hospitals and medical offices, including Columbia University Irving Medical Center and the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He also started working as an Assistant Clinical Professor of OB-GYN at the Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons.
• June 2012: The first public reports of sexual abuse. A patient reported to the police that Hadden made inappropriate oral contact with her private parts during a gynecological examination. Hadden was cleared of the charges because of lacking evidence.
• August 2012: Robert Hadden “voluntarily” ceased his medical practice in New York. He was under criminal investigation at this time.
• June 2014: A Manhattan Supreme Court grand jury indicted Robert Hadden on six counts of sexual abuse, criminal sex act, and forcible touching, which can amount to up to four years in jail.
• March 2016: Robert Hadden pleaded guilty to only two counts of the charges and made a bargain with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Because of this, the New York State Court didn’t sentence him to jail but instead made him register as a sex offender and surrender his license.
• January 2020: Evelyn Yang conducted a tell-all interview with CNN, detailing her experiences with Robert Hadden in 2012 when she was seven months pregnant.
• September 2020: Robert Hadden was charged with six counts of enticing and inducing victims to travel across state lines with the promise of a medical checkup or treatment. Instead, sexual abuse happened, and the disgraced doctor assaulted dozens of female patients, including multiple minors.
  • In the same month, the US Department of Justice issued a press release where federal prosecutors stated that Hadden used his medical practice to sexually assault patients from 1993 to 2012. He cruelly lured women with promises of medical care, only to assault them for his gratification. Several of his heinous acts include prolonged, unnecessary, and unchaperoned medical examinations, inappropriate questioning, forcible touching, oral contact, and digital rape.
• December 2021: Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay 79 of Hadden’s past victims $71.5 million. This lawsuit was filed and litigated by Anthony T. DiPietro.
• October 2022: Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York Presbyterian Hospital reached another settlement of $165 million with 147 additional victims, again filed by The DiPietro Law Firm.
• January 9, 2023: Hadden’s federal trial for six counts of enticing and inducing patients finally began.
• January 24, 2023: The federal court declared that Robert Hadden was guilty of four counts of federal charges against him, with each count carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. This means he will likely spend life in prison. Hadden is scheduled for sentencing on April 25.
• February 1, 2023: New York Judge Richard Berman had the predatory doctor remanded into custody while waiting for his sentencing.

Why Might Sexual Assault Survivors Be Afraid To Speak Up?

Robert Hadden’s criminal trial and the civil suits filed against Columbia University and its affiliates highlight the difficulties sexual assault survivors may experience in coming forward and speaking up about what they’ve gone through.

Hadden’s victims trusted him to provide medical care.

Instead, he used their trust and his authority as a way to exploit and manipulate them.

Here are some of the reasons why survivors may not come forward:

Fear of Retaliation

Survivors may fear that their abuser or the organizations that allowed the abuse to occur will retaliate against them if they come forward.

This threat of retaliation can make it hard for victims to speak out and seek justice.

It can be intimidating to speak out against influential people backed by powerful institutions, like Robert Hadden and Columbia University.

Fear of retaliation is a valid concern, and our legal team is experienced in alleviating this fear and providing confidentiality and anonymity to the fullest extent possible.

Hesitancy To Bring Up Past Traumatic Experiences

Sexual assault is a traumatic and deeply personal experience that can leave survivors feeling isolated, ashamed, and vulnerable. Survivors might be hesitant to talk about what they’ve gone through, even with trusted friends, family members, or professionals.

The DiPietro Law Firm understands and respects survivors’ hesitancy to talk about their experiences.

We have dedicated our practice to providing a safe, supportive environment for the people we represent.

Lack of Proper Legal Assistance

A lack of proper legal assistance can create significant barriers for sexual assault survivors seeking justice and recovery.

Without the support and guidance of attorneys who are knowledgeable about the laws regarding sexual abuse, survivors may not fully understand their rights and options.

The DiPietro Law Firm believes that access to legal assistance and resources is crucial to empowering survivors and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

How The DiPietro Law Firm Supports Survivors

Our founder, Anthony T. DiPietro, has dedicated the past 23 years of his career to seeking justice for sexual assault victims and victims of medical malpractice.

He has lead the civil litigation against Columbia University for Robert Hadden’s sexual abuse, securing more than $230 million in compensation for survivors.

DiPietro is a passionate advocate for victims and has been recognized as one of the top sexual abuse attorneys in the country.

The DiPietro Law Firm’s only focus is the people we represent.

We understand and empathize with our clients, and we have crafted our legal approach with their experiences in mind.

Here is how we support survivors in the legal process:

• Create a safe space for survivors to share their experience:  The DiPietro Law Firm ensures that any inquiry submitted remains confidential. Our client support staff use a trauma informed approach when working with survivors, and we strive to create an environment of understanding and respect.
• Acknowledge their experience:  We understand that reaching out to us and sharing your experience might be extremely difficult. We listen, support, and guide them through the process of filing a claim.
• Keep them updated throughout:  Our law firm works with each client so they understand the process of the lawsuit from the moment they contact us, to the moment they receive their settlement.
• Offer confidentiality and anonymity:  The laws in New York State allow victims and survivors of sexual abuse to file their claims anonymously—thus protecting their identities and private lives while they’re seeking to hold Columbia and Hadden accountable. If you decide to contact us regarding Robert Hadden’s sexual abuse, confidentiality is 100% GUARANTEED.

The DiPietro Law Firm: Filing Lawsuits for Victims of Robert Hadden Sexual Abuse

Robert Hadden got away with sexually abusing patients for decades.

While he’s finally waiting to face justice, his victims still struggle with the trauma of what happened.

At The DiPietro Law Firm, we understand how hard it is for survivors to speak openly about their traumatic experiences.

That’s why we offer confidential and compassionate legal representation tailored to each individual’s needs and circumstances.

Our founder, Anthony T. DiPietro, has been leading the fight for justice against Hadden and Columbia University for the past ten years.

We secured $236 million in compensation for some of the survivors of Hadden’s unlawful sexual abuse, and we are dedicated to helping more victims get the justice they deserve.

Contact us today for a confidential, free, and no-obligation consultation. We’re here to listen and help you seek justice.