Long overdue news for NYC survivors! 

On January 29, 2026, New York City Council passed Intro 1297-A, which allows survivors to file claims under the Gender Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) for crimes that happened before January 9, 2022. This means that survivors whose claims had expired because of statute of limitations (SOL) have the opportunity to get justice.  

This marks the second time NYC Council passed the bill – back in November 2025, it passed unanimously. However, in his last days in office, as a final parting Christmas Eve “gift,” former NYC Mayor Eric Adams vetoed the bill, denying survivors the right to justice.  The January 2026 Council vote overrides this veto.  

Frequently Asked Questions About the GMVA Lookback Window 

What is the Gender Motivated Violence Act (GMVA)? 

The GMVA allows survivors of gender-based violence to file civil lawsuits for the physical and/or emotional harm they endured at the hands of individuals and/or institutions in New York City.  

What does the new lookback window mean?  

This update to the GMVA allows survivors to file GMVA lawsuits for crimes that happened before January 9, 2022 – victims whose claims would’ve been past the statute of limitations otherwise.   

What types of violence are covered by the GMVA? 

Incidents of gender-based violence that fall under GMVA include:  

  • Physical or verbal assault or battery 
  • Human trafficking  
  • False imprisonment  

The crime must have occurred in 1 of the 5 boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Queens, or Staten Island.   

Who qualifies to file under the GMVA?

Victims of violence (see above examples) motivated by gender which occurred in 1 of the 5 NYC boroughs may have claims under the GMVA. It does not matter when the crime occurred, as long as the lawsuit is filed by July 29, 2027. 

Intro 1297-A also allows victims to amend or refile previous lawsuits that were dismissed for statute of limitations.   

Who can be sued under the GMVA? 

Victims of gender-based violence can sue individual perpetrators and/or institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse.  

Examples of institutions that may be held liable include, but are not limited to: 

  • Employers 
  • Churches 
  • Schools 
  • Hospitals 

…and any other business or public institution that may have enabled, facilitated, and/or concealed the abuse.  

How long do survivors have to file?  

Survivors have until July 29, 2027 to file a GMVA lawsuit.  

Why you should choose C.A. Goldberg, PLLC after sexual abuse and/or gender-motivated violence  

Since 2014, C.A. Goldberg, PLLC has represented survivors nationwide in landmark civil litigation against individuals and institutions that enabled gender-based violence. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for clients and have helped shape laws in cases challenging institutional accountability. Well before the #MeToo movement, we stood for the fact that victims deserve criminal and civil justice.  

The C.A Goldberg team is comprised of gifted lawyers and advocates selected for two things – 1) their higher calling to avenge evil and 2) their tenacity to get up from every fight. Learn more about our team and contact us here.  

Contact NYC GMVA Attorneys 

The window is open, but it is temporary. Speak with an experienced NYC gender-based violence law firm ASAP. 

To find out if you might be able to pursue claims under the GMVA, contact us here or call (646) 666-8908.