Abuse in NYC

A new New York City law — Bill 1297-A, an amendment to the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) effective January 29, 2026 — opened an 18-month lookback window letting survivors of institutional sexual abuse in NYC file civil claims, even for abuse that happened decades ago. Survivors may sue both individual abusers and the institutions that enabled them — including juvenile detention centers, schools, churches, hospitals, government agencies, and employers — as long as the abuse occurred in NYC before January 9, 2022. The window closes permanently on July 29, 2027.

• You were sexually abused in New York City before January 9, 2022
• The abuse was connected to an institution, organization, employer, or government agency — such as a juvenile detention center, school, church, hospital, or workplace
• New claims are allowed even if you were previously time-barred, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred
• Prior lawsuits dismissed between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025 may now be refiled
• You file your claim before the lookback window closes on July 29, 2027