Abused at the Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs)? The City is Now Liable.
The Manhattan Detention Complex—the South Tower of which is still known as The Tombs—is a city jail at 125 White Street in Lower Manhattan, operated by the NYC Department of Correction. It houses approximately 898 adult males, most awaiting trial. Correction officers and staff who sexually abused people in custody can no longer hide behind immunity. The 18-month filing window is open.
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Staff Abuse at the Manhattan Detention Complex
The complex comprises two buildings—a North Tower and South Tower—connected by an elevated enclosed walkway. The South Tower was formerly known as the Manhattan House of Detention; 'The Tombs' has been a colloquial name for detention facilities on the site dating back to 1838. The facility processes and holds people arrested in Manhattan who are awaiting trial.
Sexual abuse by correction officers and staff in NYC jails—including borough facilities like the Manhattan Detention Complex—has been documented in lawsuits and investigations. The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law holds the City and the Department of Correction liable for sexual abuse committed by employees while acting within their roles.
If you were sexually abused at the Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs)—whether in the North Tower, South Tower, or during intake or transport—you may have a claim. The 18-month filing window opened January 29, 2026, and closes in approximately 18 months.
The majority await trial in Manhattan. Abuse by staff at any point in custody can give rise to a claim.
What Changed?
The law that protected abusers is gone. Here's what that means for you.
The City is Liable
NYC and its agencies (including the Department of Correction and ACS) can be held responsible for sexual abuse committed by staff while acting within their roles.
18-Month Window
The filing window opened January 29, 2026. You have 18 months to file. After that, the window closes.
No Statute of Limitations
It doesn't matter when the abuse happened. If it occurred at a NYC facility, you can file during this window.
Other NYC Juvenile & ACS Facilities
Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) — Rikers Island
The only women's jail on Rikers Island. Women detained at RMSC were particularly vulnerable to abuse by staff.
Learn moreVernon C. Bain Correctional Center (Barge)
Former 800-bed jail barge off the South Bronx.
Learn moreBrooklyn Detention Complex
814-bed jail in Brooklyn.
Learn moreQueens Detention Facility
City jail in Kew Gardens, Queens.
Learn moreNYPD Precinct Holding Cells
Abuse while in NYPD custody is covered under the new law.
Learn moreThe Window is Open. Don't Wait.
If you were sexually abused at the Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs), you may have a claim. The 18-month window won't stay open forever.
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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.
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