Slater Slater Schulman LLP
Survivors Are Filing Claims

Rikers Island / RMSC Sexual Abuse Lawyers

Rikers Island·Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC)

Slater Slater Schulman LLP are attorneys representing women who were sexually abused at the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC), the women’s jail on Rikers Island known as “Rosie’s.” Survivors have brought civil claims alleging staff sexual abuse at the facility under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law — if you experienced abuse here, you can speak with us confidentially about your own potential claim.

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Free Confidential No fee unless we win
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Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?

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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 held at the Rose M. Singer Center (RMSC) on Rikers Island
  • You were sexually abused by a staff member or someone acting on the facility's behalf
  • You do not need to have reported it at the time
  • You do not need to have all the details to start

Your Legal Options & Why Now

NYC Council Int. 1297-A (Local Law 2026/050) reopened an 18-month lookback window beginning January 29, 2026, allowing many survivors who were previously time-barred to file civil claims.

The filing window won't stay open. 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
Confidential consultation with our team — start your free review

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

Reports of Abuse at the Rose M. Singer Center

More than 700 women have come forward with civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse by correction staff at RMSC — roughly 719 suits seeking approximately $14.7 billion in damages. The allegations have not been proven in court, and no global settlement has been reached. 1

A U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics survey found that about 6% of women held at RMSC reported staff sexual victimization — more than three times the national average for jails. This is a self-reported federal survey rather than a court finding. 2

The City has resolved several of these claims through settlement — including a reported $500,000 settlement and a separate $1.2 million settlement tied to allegations of repeated assaults by correction staff. The City admitted no liability, as is standard in civil settlements. 34

The lawsuits and settlements above were brought under earlier laws — chiefly the Adult Survivors Act, whose filing window closed in November 2023. The Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law provides a separate, current path for survivors who qualify. Because they arose under different laws, those past cases are not a measure of what any GMVA claim may be worth.

Sources & authorities (4)+
  1. [1]Gothamist — Late-night sex assaults, invasive searches: the 700 women alleging abuse at Rikersgothamist.com
  2. [2]U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics — Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails Reported by Inmates, 2011–12 Updatebjs.ojp.gov
  3. [3]The Intercept — A Rikers Island sexual assault and the fight for accountabilitytheintercept.com
  4. [4]Cleary Gottlieb — $1.2 Million Settlement in Pro Bono Rikers Island Caseclearygottlieb.com

Last updated on June 30, 2026

The lawsuits, survey data, and settlements described above are allegations or third-party/government findings; a settlement is not an admission that abuse occurred, and these matters have not been proven in court.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Who the abuser may have been

Correction officers

Sexual abuse by uniformed correction officers responsible for women in custody at RMSC.

Captains & supervisors

Sexual abuse by supervising officers or facility administrators.

Medical & mental-health staff

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

Other DOC staff & contractors

Sexual abuse by other Department of Correction 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 at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island, a free and confidential review will tell you honestly whether you may have a claim and how the filing window applies to you.

See If You Qualify Call Now

Other NYC Juvenile & ACS Facilities

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

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Question 1 of 333% Complete

Question 1 of 3

Did this happen in NYC (5 Boroughs)?