New York City Enacts Revival Law For Gender-Motivated Violence Survivors

On January 29, 2026, the New York City Council overrode Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of Introduction 1297, an amendment to the city’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). The override made the measure law.

The revival law (a temporary period that allows certain older claims to move forward) establishes an 18-month “look back” window. During that time, survivors of gender-motivated violence may file new civil claims, even if the statute of limitations has passed. People with previously dismissed claims who filed between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, may be able to refile or amend them.

In addition to claims against individual abusers, this update also allows claims against organizations that enabled or failed to prevent abuse.

How The New Law Helps Victims Of Gender-Motivated Violence

The new law enables survivors to file civil claims for certain acts of gender-motivated violence that happened before January 9, 2022. It creates an 18-month filing window that begins when the law takes effect. During that time, survivors may:

• File new civil lawsuits, even if the abuse happened many years ago
• Amend or refile cases from a particular time period that were previously dismissed

This may include people who experienced gender-motivated violence years ago, including childhood sexual abuse, clergy abuse or abuse in juvenile detention centers.

Survivors may bring civil claims against:

• The person who committed the abuse
• Anyone who directed, enabled, participated in or conspired in the abuse
• Institutions or organizations that failed to prevent or stop the abuse

These claims may involve both private institutions and public entities, including:

• Churches and religious organizations
• City-run agencies
• Hospitals
• Juvenile detention centers
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Schools

The law applies across all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Claims must be filed within 18 months of the law taking effect.

 

What This May Mean For Survivors

Many survivors need time before they feel ready to speak about what happened. This law recognizes that reality and creates a defined window for certain claims to move forward. It also makes clear that a civil case may involve not only the person who caused harm, but also organizations that may have enabled it. 

In some cases, this may give survivors a clearer path to seek accountability. For many people, having that option can feel like an important step toward healing.

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If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault or a serious physical assault, you may have legal rights. Our team of attorneys is here to help you seek justice against predators and the organizations that cover up or ignore your abuse. Learn more about your legal options, the claims process and potential compensation.

Request a free, confidential abuse case evaluation by calling 1-844-915-0854 or sending a message through our secure contact form.