On January 29, 2026, the New York City Council expanded the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA), giving survivors of sexual abuse more time to file civil lawsuits against both individuals and institutions that enabled or failed to prevent abuse.

This change follows the dismissal of more than 450 sexual abuse lawsuits against city-run juvenile detention centers, where courts ruled the prior law did not clearly allow survivors to sue institutions.

The new law corrects that gap and reopens the path to justice.

A New 18-Month Lookback Window

A temporary lookback window will be open from March 2026 through March 2027.

During this time, survivors may:

• File new sexual abuse lawsuits, even if the abuse occurred decades ago
• Amend or refile cases dismissed under prior court rulings
• Sue institutions, government agencies, and organizations that enabled abuse

If you were abused in New York City on or before January 9, 2022, this may be your final opportunity to take legal action.

Why the Law Was Expanded

A 2025 court decision dismissed hundreds of lawsuits filed by survivors abused in city-run juvenile detention centers, ruling that earlier GMVA language allowed claims only against individuals — not institutions.

Intro. 1297 was passed to fix that loophole.

The law now clearly allows survivors to hold institutions accountable for negligence, concealment, or failure to protect.

“A single court decision should not erase hundreds of cases or shield powerful institutions from accountability.”

— Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, NYC Council Member

What the Updated GMVA Allows

Survivors may bring claims involving:

• Juvenile detention centers
• Schools and boarding schools
• Churches and religious institutions
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Government agencies and other organizations

Covered abuse includes sexual assault, sexual abuse, harassment, domestic violence, and stalking.

Survivors may seek compensatory and punitive damages.

Why This Matters

Many survivors of childhood and institutional abuse are unable to come forward until years later due to trauma, fear, or power dynamics.

This law recognizes that reality — but the window is strictly limited. Once it closes in March 2027, survivors may permanently lose the right to file a civil claim.

Speak With a New York Sexual Abuse Attorney

If you were previously unable to file — or your case was dismissed — the updated GMVA may allow you to take action now. Confidential consultations are available, and there are no upfront costs.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

Free, private case review available. You are not required to move forward.

Contact us today to learn whether you qualify under New York’s GMVA lookback window.