Survivors of gender-based violence in New York City now have an expanded rare and time-sensitive opportunity to file civil lawsuits—even if the abuse happened years or even decades ago. Thanks to a groundbreaking law recently amended known as the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) which permits survivors to pursue justice in civil court regardless of whether there was ever a police report, criminal charge, or prior legal action.
The New York City Council has recently expanded the GMVA lookback window for 18 months. Survivors with previously time-barred claims for sexual abuse that occurred prior to January 9, 2022 can now bring their cases during this window.
In addition, during this new lookback window, survivors who already filed lawsuits under the earlier window of March 2023 to March 2025 can amend or refile their claims. Others who have never filed a claim before can also bring new lawsuits. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering filing a claim under this important law:
Important Considerations:
- The law provides a limited-time revival window for 18 months allowing adult survivors of gender-motivated violence to file civil lawsuits even if the statute of limitations has passed.
- Applies to Incidents Dating Back Decades. Survivors can pursue civil claims for assault, battery, sexual violence, or other gender-motivated crimes that occurred in the five boroughs of New York City, regardless of when the acts occurred.
- You Can Sue Individuals, Institutions, or Both. Lawsuits may target not just the perpetrator, but also organizations (employers, schools, churches, etc.) that allowed, enabled, or failed to stop the violence.
- No Criminal Conviction Required. You do not need a criminal conviction or charges filed to bring a lawsuit. The burden of proof is lower in civil court.
- You May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation. Survivors can pursue compensatory and punitive damages for physical and emotional harm, lost wages, therapy, and more.
What Is the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) Revival Window?
The recently amended and expanded New York City GMVA Revival Act allows survivors of gender-motivated violence to file civil lawsuits against both individuals and institutions, even if the alleged violence occurred before January 9, 2022 and was previously time-barred by the statute of limitations.
This special “lookback” window temporarily reopens the statute of limitations for 18 months, giving sexual abuse survivors a new opportunity to come forward in court.
Deadline to file: July 29, 2027
What Types of Abuse Are Covered?
This law is specific to gender-motivated violence, which means the violence must have been committed at least in part because of your gender.
It applies to a wide range of acts, including but not limited to:
- Rape and sexual assault
- Sexual harassment or misconduct
- Domestic violence
- Intimate partner abuse
- Gender-based hate crimes
- Physical assaults or threats based on gender
- Coercive control and emotional abuse with a gendered motive
If the harm was motivated by hostility, bias, or power imbalance related to your gender, it may qualify under this law.
No Arrest or Criminal Charges Required
One of the most important features of this law is that you do not need to have reported the abuse to police to file a civil lawsuit.
- No criminal investigation needed
- No charges or prosecution required
- No conviction necessary
The standard of proof in civil court is different from criminal court. You only need to prove that it is more likely than not that the abuse occurred and that it was motivated by your gender.
This means survivors who were silenced, ignored, threatened, or too afraid to go to law enforcement now have a chance to be heard in a different venue—and to hold their abuser accountable.
NYC-Based Institutions/Organizations Can Be Held Liable for Enabling Abuse
The law also allows survivors to sue institutions and/or organizations that may have enabled, ignored, or failed to prevent gender-motivated violence.
This includes:
- Public and private schools
- Hospitals or medical providers
- Correctional facilities or jails
- Religious organizations
- Youth programs or nonprofits
- Employers or workplaces
- Colleges or universities
- Group homes and shelters
If a NYC-based institution/Organization knew or should have known about the violence but failed to act, or created an environment where abuse could flourish, they may be held financially and legally responsible.
This opens the door for cases involving, for example:
- Sexual assaults on campus
- Abuse by teachers, doctors, or coaches
- Harassment or attacks in detention settings
- Abuse in foster care or residential programs
Even Dismissed or Time-Barred Claims May Be Revived
Another powerful feature of this revival window is its ability to revive old claims, including those that were already dismissed.
If your claim was dismissed between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025 you may be eligible to amend or refile your lawsuit under the revival law.
This is critical because so many survivors were denied their day in court due to outdated time limits or procedural technicalities. Under the GMVA revival window, those restrictions are lifted – temporarily.
What Compensation Can Survivors Receive?
Though every case is different, lawsuits filed under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act can potentially result in multiple forms of compensation and relief, including:
- Compensatory damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or income
- Punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer
- Court-ordered changes such as policy reforms or employee training
- Attorney’s fees and litigation costs
Why File Now?
Time is limited. Survivors only have until July 29, 2027, to file a lawsuit under the amendment to this law. Once the revival window closes, many survivors may once again be blocked from filing.
Even if you’re not ready to take legal action today, here’s why it’s critical to speak with an attorney now:
- Investigations take time – locating witnesses, records, and institutional documents requires time and legal tools
- Filing takes preparation – strong cases require evidence, affidavits, and strategy
- Many survivors wait too long – don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime legal window
What to Expect from a Lawsuit
Filing a civil lawsuit is not easy. It can involve revisiting painful events, facing legal pushback, and navigating a complicated system. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
A qualified attorney can:
- Help you understand your legal options
- File your case before the deadline
- Investigate institutions that may be liable
- Handle the paperwork and court process
- Fight for the justice and relief you deserve
Talk to an Attorney Before the Deadline
Survivors of gender-motivated violence have already been denied justice for too long. This revival window is your chance to take back control, expose the truth, and potentially receive the relief you deserve, such as financially, emotionally, and legally.
Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review
If you were a victim of gender-motivated abuse in New York City at a school, in jail, at work, or in a hospital, you may have the right to file a civil lawsuit.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. You owe it to yourself to explore every path to justice while it’s still open.
Call 1‑800‑YOUR‑LAWYER (1‑800‑968‑7529) today for a no‑cost consultation.
Your voice matters. Your claim matters. Taking action now preserves your rights and ensures you don’t miss this limited chance to pursue accountability and compensation.
