Survivors of sexual abuse and gender-motivated violence in New York City now have a powerful legal tool to seek justice. The New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) provides a unique lookback window, allowing victims to file civil lawsuits against their abusers and the institutions that enabled them, regardless of how much time has passed since the abuse occurred.
If you experienced sexual abuse in the five boroughs of New York City, our legal team is ready to evaluate your case. This law represents a critical opportunity to hold perpetrators—especially those in positions of power—accountable for the lifelong trauma they have caused.
Historically, strict statutes of limitations prevented many survivors from pursuing legal action. The trauma of sexual abuse often takes years or decades to process, leaving victims without legal recourse once they were finally ready to come forward. The GMVA lookback window temporarily waives these time limits for claims arising within New York City.
This legislation is designed to address the systemic nature of gender-motivated violence, recognizing that institutions frequently protected abusers rather than victims. The window allows survivors to file claims against the individuals who committed the acts as well as the organizations—such as schools, religious institutions, or youth facilities—that failed to intervene.
Our attorneys are reviewing cases under the GMVA based on specific criteria to ensure the strongest possible representation. A claim may qualify if it meets the following conditions:
Please Note: If the abuse occurred at a public city school under the Department of Education (DOE), the incident must have taken place after April 1, 2019, to qualify under current criteria.
Gender-motivated violence and sexual abuse thrive in environments where power goes unchecked. When institutions fail to implement proper safeguards, conduct adequate background checks, or respond to reports of misconduct, they become complicit in the abuse. The GMVA lookback window is a crucial mechanism for exposing these systemic failures and forcing institutions to implement meaningful reforms.
By filing a lawsuit, survivors can secure compensation for medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and the immense pain and suffering they have endured. This financial recovery is often vital for survivors to access the resources they need to heal and move forward.
Time is limited under the GMVA lookback window. Contact our legal team for a free, confidential evaluation of your case.
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