Your Rights Under NYC's Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law
Understanding the new law that creates civil remedies for survivors of sexual abuse and gender-motivated violence in New York City.
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What Changed Under NYC Law
On January 29, 2026, the NYC Council overrode the Mayor's veto to enact a landmark law protecting survivors
New Cause of Action
Creates a civil cause of action for gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse — and revives previously time-barred claims, so survivors may file even if the abuse was years or decades ago, or a prior claim was dismissed.
Expanded Liability
Allows suits against those who commit, direct, enable, participate in, or conspire in the violence.
18-Month Revival Window
A revival window: previously time-barred claims must be commenced within 18 months of the law's effective date. It revives older claims — it is not a deadline that expires all future claims. The law took effect upon the Council's veto override.
Institutional Accountability
Institutions may be held liable when their employees or agents committed abuse while acting in their roles.
What is the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law?
The NYC Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law (codified at NYC Administrative Code Section 10-1104.1) creates a civil cause of action for survivors of gender-motivated violence, including sexual abuse and assault. This law expands the existing New York State Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act to provide additional remedies at the city level.
Critically, the law includes a "lookback window" provision that allows survivors to bring claims that would otherwise be time-barred under previous statutes of limitations. Claims must be commenced within 18 months of the law's effective date. The law states that it takes effect immediately upon enactment. (Int. 1297-A / Local Law 2026/050 — effective Jan 29, 2026 per veto override).
Timeline of the Law
November 25, 2025
NYC Council Passes Intro 1297-A
The New York City Council passed the Gender Motivated Violence Protection Law (Intro 1297-A), expanding civil remedies for survivors of gender-motivated violence.
December 24, 2025
Mayor Adams Vetoes the Bill
Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the legislation, citing concerns about municipal liability.
January 29, 2026
Council Overrides Veto
The NYC Council voted to override the Mayor's veto, enacting the law. The law takes effect immediately, beginning the 18-month filing window.
Who Can Bring a Claim?
The law applies to survivors of gender-motivated violence, which includes:
- Sexual abuse or assault at NYC institutions (including but not limited to schools, hospitals, detention centers, foster care, and many others)
- Abuse by employees, contractors, or agents acting within their institutional role
- Cases where institutions enabled or failed to prevent the abuse
- Previously time-barred claims that are revived by the lookback window
Important Filing Information
Claims must be commenced within 18 months of the law's effective date. The law states that it takes effect immediately upon enactment. Given the Council's veto override on January 29, 2026, the filing window is limited. We strongly encourage survivors to contact us promptly to evaluate their claims and preserve their rights.
Official Sources
For more information about the law, please refer to these official sources:
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