NYC Council Overrides Former Mayor Eric Adams’ Veto, Setting the Stage for Lawsuits Under the NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA)
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (February 12, 2026) – The NYC council has issued an override of former Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of the New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA).
This legislation allows the survivors of sexual abuse and gender-motivated violence to finally have their day in court. It does this by creating what is commonly referred to as a “lookback window.”
This is a period of time where civil claims are allowed to move forward, even if they were previously barred by statutes of limitations. There are, however, certain criteria that will need to be met for victims to proceed.
Eligibility Criteria for Claims Under the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA)
- The victim was the subject of gender-motivated violence, which can include sexual assault or sexual abuse.
- The abuse occurred in one of the five boroughs of New York City.
- The victim can be any age at the time they were abused. Accordingly, the abuse could’ve taken place when the victim was an adult or a child.
Steps to Take After Sexual Abuse in New York City
Sexual abuse remains alarmingly common across New York and the United States. According to NYSCA, “One in every 10 children in New York state will be a victim of sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. The most common type of abuse reported to the CAC’s were sexual abuse at 58% of cases. Physical abuse was the second highest reported at 19%.” Certain steps should be taken after any instance of sexual abuse in NYC.
- Police: The police should be notified as early as possible. They can investigate and help preserve key pieces of evidence.
- Medical Attention: Victims should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is another important part of preserving evidence.
- Notes: Write down everything that you can remember about the abuse. This should include dates, locations, and the names of all involved and potential eyewitnesses.
- Legal Review: Victims should contact an experienced NYC sexual abuse attorney. An attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know if you have legal recourse.
Sexual abuse and assaults can be one of the most harmful and destructive things that most people will ever go through. Survivors routinely suffer extensive physical and psychological damage. This can manifest through anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is important for victims to understand that they do have legal rights. They may be able to pursue damages through a civil claim, even if they previously were unable to do so due to expired statutes of limitations.
Getting Legal Help Under The NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA)
We at GLK Law extend our best wishes to all of the people who have been the victims of sexual abuse and gender-motivated violence in NYC. Survivors deserve to have their voices heard, and the perpetrators that harm them should be held accountable. The override of former Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) is an important step forward.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse or gender-motivated violence in NYC? Our team of NYC sexual abuse attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that abuse victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
