Slater Slater Schulman LLP
Civil Claims Under the GMVA

Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs), 125 White Street

Manhattan·Former NYC jail

Were you sexually abused by a guard or staff member at the Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs)?

Free Confidential No fee unless we win

The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Attorneys for survivors of sexual abuse in custody at the Manhattan Detention Complex (“The Tombs”), closed 2023. Confidential, free case review.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Were you abused at the Manhattan Detention Complex (The Tombs)?

You may be eligible for compensation. Speaking with us is free and confidential.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Available 24/7 · 646-922-9103

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

Who May Have a Claim

  • You were incarcerated, detained, or held in custody at a NYC correctional or juvenile facility
  • You experienced sexual abuse by corrections officers, guards, counselors, staff, or other facility employees
  • The abuser was acting in their role at the facility when the abuse occurred
  • You can identify the abuser by name, nickname, badge number, or detailed physical description
  • You know the approximate time period when the abuse occurred

Your Legal Options & Why Now

New York City's rules for abuse claims have recently changed, and many survivors who were previously time-barred may now be able to file. Whether a specific claim can proceed — and its deadline — depends on the facts of that case and requires review with an attorney.

Deadlines are case-specific and require attorney review — don't wait to find out where you stand. See if you qualify →

What happens when you reach out

Three quiet steps, on your terms

  • 1
    You tell us as much or as little as you want.A confidential conversation with our team — by phone or online. You stay in control of the pace.
  • 2
    We review whether you have a claim.At no cost, against the facts and the law — and we tell you honestly either way.
  • 3
    You decide what happens next.If you choose to move forward, you pay nothing unless we win for you.
See If You Qualify Call Now

Time Limits

Time limits can apply to these claims. The sooner you reach out, the more we may be able to do — and speaking with us is free and confidential.

Uncovering abuse

Investigating Claims at the Manhattan Detention Complex

The Manhattan Detention Complex stood at 125 White Street in Lower Manhattan; its South Tower was the building colloquially known as "The Tombs," a nickname carried by detention facilities on the site for generations. The complex is no longer operating: demolition began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, and a replacement jail at the White Street site is not expected until 2032. 1

We are investigating possible claims involving the Manhattan Detention Complex. If you experienced sexual abuse in New York City custody — at this site or another City facility — a confidential review is the way to learn whether the GMVA may apply to your own circumstances.

More broadly, survivors who allege sexual abuse in New York City custody may be able to bring civil claims under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (GMVA). The City Council enacted Intro 1297-A as Law 2026/050, which changed the rules for these claims so that many survivors who were previously time-barred may now be able to file. Whether any particular claim succeeds is decided in court, and these claims are allegations that have not been proven. 23

If you experienced sexual abuse in NYC custody — including at facilities where survivors have brought claims under the GMVA — a free and confidential review can tell you honestly whether you may have a claim and how the filing rules apply to you.

Sources & authorities (3)+
  1. [1]The City — Pause demolition of Manhattan Detention Center (demolition began April 2023)thecity.nyc
  2. [2]NYC Council Legistar — Intro 1297-A / Law 2026/050 (GMVA lookback window, effective Jan 29, 2026)legistar.council.nyc.gov
  3. [3]NYC Council — Press release on the GMVA lookback window (Jan 29, 2026)council.nyc.gov

Who the abuser may have been

Correction & custody officers

Sexual abuse by officers responsible for people held in custody.

Supervisors & administrators

Sexual abuse by supervising officers or facility administrators.

Medical & mental-health staff

Sexual abuse by medical or mental-health personnel at the facility.

Other staff & contractors

Sexual abuse by other facility employees or contractors acting on the facility's behalf.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report the abuse to police to file a civil claim?+

No. A civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal proceedings. You do not need to have made a police report, and the outcome of any criminal case does not determine your civil claim. Many survivors pursue civil claims without ever involving law enforcement.

Do I need to know the abuser's full name?+

While knowing the abuser's full name is helpful, it's not always required. If you can provide a detailed physical description, nickname, or other identifying information, our investigators may be able to identify the perpetrator. However, if the abuser cannot ultimately be identified through investigation, it may affect the viability of your claim.

Is my consultation confidential?+

Absolutely. All communications with our firm are protected by attorney-client privilege. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and take extensive precautions to protect your privacy. Many cases can also be filed using pseudonyms to further protect your identity.

Will I have to testify or go to court?+

Many cases settle without the need for a trial. However, if your case does go to court, you may be asked to provide testimony. Our team prepares you thoroughly for any proceedings and supports you every step of the way. We also work to protect your privacy through protective orders and other legal mechanisms.

How much does it cost to file a claim?+

There is no upfront cost to file a claim with our firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict we obtain on your behalf.

Speak with us, confidentially

If you experienced sexual abuse in New York City custody, a free and confidential review will tell you honestly whether you may have a claim and how the filing rules apply to you.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Other NYC Juvenile & ACS Facilities

Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) — Rikers Island

The only women's jail on Rikers Island. Settlements on record; active civil litigation alleging staff sexual abuse.

Learn more

Horizon Juvenile Center (Bronx)

ACS secure juvenile detention in the Bronx. Active civil litigation alleging staff sexual abuse — not proven in court.

Learn more

Crossroads Juvenile Center (Brooklyn)

ACS secure juvenile detention in Brooklyn, named in the same wave of civil suits; state-audit oversight findings.

Learn more

All NYC Jails

Overview of the NYC jails and juvenile-detention facilities covered under the GMVA.

Learn more

Do You Qualify? Find Out in 60 Seconds.

Survived sexual abuse or gender-motivated violence at a New York City institution? Answer a few quick questions below to find out if you may be eligible — or call us now. Every conversation is confidential and compassionate.

Or call us directly:646-922-9103
Free Confidential No fee unless we win

The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

Question 1 of 2

Was the abuse sexual in nature?