In a landmark move for survivors of sexual abuse, the New York City Council has overridden former Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of Introduction 1297-A, officially enacting the Gender-Motivated Violence Act. The vote represents a significant step forward in accountability, survivor-centered justice, and systemic reform within New York City.
The New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA), which played a leading role in advocating for this legislation, praised the Council’s action as a major victory for survivors. NYSTLA has long fought for reforms that expand access to justice, including its pivotal advocacy for the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act in Albany.
“Survivors deserve a justice system that recognizes the reality of trauma—not one that shuts the courthouse doors before they are ready to step forward,” said NYSTLA President Andrew Finkelstein. “The trauma of abuse has no time limit, and neither should a survivor’s path to justice.”
What the New Law Does
The Gender-Motivated Violence Act creates a new civil cause of action for individuals harmed by crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred in New York City prior to January 9, 2022.
Key provisions include:
- An 18-month window to commence claims under the new law
- The ability for individuals who filed qualifying claims between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, to amend or refile their cases to include a cause of action under this statute
- Expanded opportunities for survivors to seek civil accountability where traditional statutes of limitations previously barred claims
NYSTLA emphasized that this legislation aligns with trauma-informed justice principles and reflects a growing recognition that survivors often need time before they are able to come forward.
New York City personal injury lawyers who represent survivors of sexual abuse have pledged to continue fighting to protect access to the courts and to ensure that survivors’ rights remain at the center of the civil justice system.
What Survivors Should Know About the Gender-Motivated Violence Act
- Who may qualify: Survivors of gender-motivated violence that occurred in New York City before January 9, 2022
- What the law provides: A new civil cause of action, even if prior statutes of limitations barred the claim
- Time to file: Claims must be brought within 18 months of the law’s effective window
- Previously filed cases: Individuals who previously filed qualifying civil claims between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, may be permitted to amend or refile their actions to assert a cause of action under this law, provided the statutory requirements are met.
- Why this matters: The law recognizes that trauma can delay disclosure and gives survivors a renewed opportunity to seek accountability through the civil justice system
Why the City Council’s Override Matters
The City Council’s decision to override the mayoral veto underscores a growing consensus that civil justice systems must account for the lasting impact of trauma. By enacting the Gender-Motivated Violence Act over executive opposition, the Council affirmed that access to accountability for survivors is a legislative priority, not a political afterthought.
This action mirrors earlier statewide reforms that reshaped New York law, including the Child Victims Act and the Adult Survivors Act, both of which acknowledged that survivors often need years before they are able to come forward. The Council’s vote signals that New York City is continuing that trajectory at the municipal level.
How This Law Fits Into New York’s Broader Survivor-Rights Reforms
The Gender-Motivated Violence Act does not exist in isolation. It builds on a decade of survivor-led legal reform in New York aimed at removing procedural barriers that historically prevented victims of sexual abuse and gender-based violence from being heard in court.
Together with the CVA and ASA, this new law reflects a shift away from rigid limitations periods that favor institutions over individuals, and toward a system that recognizes the realities of trauma, delayed disclosure, and the need for civil accountability. For survivors whose claims were previously barred solely by time, this legislation may provide a renewed path forward.
Survivors considering whether this law may apply to their circumstances should be aware that eligibility depends on specific facts, including the nature of the conduct, the timing, and where it occurred. Consulting with an attorney experienced in survivor-focused litigation can help clarify available legal options under this and related laws.
For a sexual assault attorney who puts your rights first, call the Law Offices of Michael H. Joseph at 212-858-0503.
