Investigating Claims in NYPD Custody and Holding Cells
After an arrest, individuals may be held in precinct holding cells before being transferred to a city DOC facility. During that time they are in the custody and control of the City. The Gender Motivated Violence Act allows survivors who allege they were subjected to gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse, while in custody to bring civil claims. Such claims are allegations and have not been proven in court.
The New York City Council enacted the GMVA measure (Intro 1297-A) as Law 2026/050, which took effect January 29, 2026 and reopened a lookback filing window for survivors. 1 The law clarifies that institutions may be sued for gender-motivated violence; whether any institution is responsible in a given case is for a court to decide and has not been established here.
This page covers NYPD precinct holding cells and police custody generally. We are investigating possible claims involving sexual abuse in NYPD custody. We do not assert a documented pattern of abuse in NYPD custody, and the GMVA pathway here is described in general terms. If you experienced abuse in police custody, you can speak with us about whether a GMVA civil claim may be available to you. A filing window is currently open. 1
Three quiet steps, on your terms
- 1You 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.
- 2We review whether you have a claim.At no cost, against the facts and the law — and we tell you honestly either way.
- 3You decide what happens next.If you choose to move forward, you pay nothing unless we win for you.
Sources & authorities
Cited to court records and government sources · Accessed June 2026
- [1]NYC Council — Intro 1297-A / Law 2026/050 (GMVA lookback window)legistar.council.nyc.gov