Abused in NYPD Precinct Holding Cells or Police Custody? The City is Now Liable.
People arrested in NYC are often held in NYPD precinct holding cells before transfer to DOC facilities. Sexual abuse by police officers, civilian staff, or others in positions of authority while you were in custody is covered under the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law. The City can be held liable. The 18-month filing window is open.
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Sexual Abuse in NYPD Custody and Holding Cells
After arrest, individuals may be held in precinct holding cells — sometimes for hours or longer — before being transferred to the Manhattan Detention Complex, Rikers Island, or other DOC facilities. During that time, they are in the custody and control of the City, including NYPD personnel. Sexual abuse by anyone in a position of authority during that period can give rise to a claim under the new law.
The Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law holds the City and its agencies liable for gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse, committed by employees or agents while acting within their roles. NYPD precincts and holding areas are part of the City's custody system. If you were sexually abused while in NYPD custody — whether in a precinct holding cell or in a transport vehicle — you may have a claim.
If you were sexually abused in NYPD precinct holding cells or at any point while in police custody in NYC, you may have a claim. The 18-month filing window opened January 29, 2026, and closes in approximately 18 months.
Each precinct has holding capacity. Abuse while in custody at any precinct is covered under the new law.
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 moreManhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs)
City jail at 125 White Street, Manhattan.
Learn moreBrooklyn Detention Complex
814-bed jail in Brooklyn.
Learn moreQueens Detention Facility
City jail in Kew Gardens, Queens.
Learn moreThe Window is Open. Don't Wait.
If you were sexually abused in NYPD precinct holding cells or while in police custody, you may have a claim. The 18-month window won't stay open forever.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
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.