City Council Overrides Veto. The 18-Month Window is NOW OPEN.
Survivors of sexual abuse at NYC institutions—including jails, schools, hospitals, and many others—can now sue. The law changed Jan 29, 2026.
Confidential consultations available 24/7 — 646-922-9103
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Confidential
All consultations are completely confidential
Proven Results
$4B+ recovered for abuse survivors
Experienced Team
3,500+ survivors represented
40+ Years
Decades of experience fighting for justice
Recognized Excellence in Legal Representation
Do You Qualify? Find Out in 60 Seconds.
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may be eligible to pursue a claim under NYC's new Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law. Every conversation is confidential and compassionate.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Question 1 of 3
Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?
What Changed Under NYC Law
On January 29, 2026, the NYC Council overrode the Mayor's veto to enact a landmark law protecting survivors
New Cause of Action
Creates a civil cause of action for gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse and assault.
Expanded Liability
Allows suits against those who commit, direct, enable, participate in, or conspire in the violence.
18-Month Filing Window
Claims must be commenced within 18 months of the law's effective date. The law took effect immediately upon the Council's veto override.
Institutional Accountability
Institutions may be held liable when their employees or agents committed abuse while acting in their roles.
What You May Achieve
The NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Law gives survivors a path to compensation and accountability
Compensation
Survivors may recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses.
Accountability
Hold individuals and institutions responsible for abuse. The law allows claims against both perpetrators and enabling institutions.
Validation & Healing
Pursuing a claim can be part of reclaiming your story and seeking justice on your terms.
Institutional Change
Lawsuits under this law can drive safer policies and practices across NYC institutions of all types.
How We Help You
Our team guides you through every step with compassion and expertise
Free Confidential Consultation
Share your story in a safe, trauma-informed conversation. Your privacy is protected throughout the process.
Case Evaluation
Our team reviews your situation against the new law's requirements and gathers relevant evidence.
Pursue Your Claim
We build your case and pursue maximum compensation through negotiation or litigation.
No Fees Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Institution Types We Investigate
The new law applies to sexual abuse that occurred at NYC institutions where the abuser acted within their role. The categories below are not exhaustive—the law covers many types of institutions beyond those listed.
Jails & Juvenile Detention
Rikers Island, ACS juvenile detention centers, NYPD holding cells, and other NYC custody facilities with documented histories of abuse.
Learn MoreSchools
Public, private, and religious schools where students were abused by teachers, coaches, or administrators.
Learn MoreMedical Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings where patients experienced abuse by medical staff.
Learn MoreOther Institutions
Universities, foster care placements, athletic clubs, and other NYC institutions where abuse occurred.
Learn MoreWho May Qualify Under the New Law?
NYC's Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law creates a new cause of action for survivors of gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse. Here's what we look for when evaluating cases.
Key Requirements
- You experienced sexual abuse or assault at an NYC institution
- The abuser was acting within their role at the institution (staff, employee, contractor, etc.)
- The institution is located within the five boroughs of New York City
- You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, or physical description
- You know the approximate time period when the abuse occurred
Helpful But Not Required
- Documentation you were at the institution (records, photos, etc.)
- Names of potential witnesses
- Any prior reports or complaints made
Limited Filing Window
The NYC Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law establishes an 18-month window from its effective date for survivors to bring claims. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment. On January 29, 2026, the NYC Council voted to override the Mayor's veto, making this law official.
Don't wait to explore your options. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Check Your EligibilityWho We Are
Slater Slater Schulman LLP is a prominent full-service law firm with over 40 years of experience representing survivors of catastrophic and traumatic events, including litigating against the Boy Scouts, clergy, medical professionals, and members of the justice system.
The attorneys at Slater Slater Schulman LLP take a personal approach to representation. We are here to ensure that survivors have the opportunity to confront their past with the full support of our large legal team.
We are honored to have represented more than 3,500 survivors in the historic $4 billion settlement with Los Angeles County—the largest of its kind in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Contact us for a free consultation.
As Featured In
Our Office Locations
New York
488 Madison Avenue, Suite 1220
New York, NY 10022
Long Island
445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 419
Melville, NY 11747
California
8383 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 255
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Pennsylvania
101 West Elm Street, Suite 520
Conshohocken, PA 19428
New Jersey
89 N. Haddon Ave, Suite D
Haddonfield, NJ 08033