New Amendment to the Gender Motivated Violence Act

If you have faced gender-based violence or sexual abuse, you may feel scared or confused about your rights. Please know that you are not alone. At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, we believe every survivor should have a chance to seek justice and begin healing. Our team is here to support you.

Childhood abuse is a serious problem that affects many children. One in ten children may be harmed in this way before they turn 18. However, there is also a separate law for adult survivors of gender-based violence in New York City: the Gender Motivated Violence Act (GMVA). A recent amendment has changed this law. These changes give survivors more time and new ways to file a lawsuit against those who hurt them.

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We Are New York Sexual Abuse Attorneys

Gender-based violence can happen to anyone. It can include sexual assault, domestic violence, or other crimes that target a person because of their gender. When trust is broken, it can cause deep and lasting pain. Giving hope to victims of child sexual abuse is part of our broader mission to support survivors of all ages. At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, we fight for survivors with compassion, strength, and skill.

We understand that it can be difficult to talk about what happened. However, speaking to a caring attorney can be a big step toward justice. Our New York sexual abuse lawyers want you to know your rights, and we stand ready to help you every step of the way.

We offer:

A confidential consultation, so you can safely share your story.
Knowledge about the new GMVA amendment, which may allow you more time to file a lawsuit.
Help guiding you through legal steps if you choose to pursue a claim.

Call us today or fill out our online form. We are here to listen.

Compassionate Legal Support From New York Sexual Abuse Lawyers

It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you think about filing a lawsuit. The legal process can seem complicated. But you are not alone in this journey. Our firm at Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP has helped many survivors. We work hard to give survivors of all ages a sense of hope and a clear path forward.

We may be able to help you if you experienced:

Childhood sexual abuse (through the Child Victims Act or other laws)
Assault at school or college
Clergy sexual abuse
Sexual misconduct by a medical provider
Sexual abuse in youth sports
Workplace sexual assault

Every survivor’s experience matters. If you want to explore your options, reach out to us today.

Understanding the New Amendment to the GMVA

Below, we will explain how the GMVA changed and why it may affect you if you are a survivor of gender-based violence in New York City.

What Is the GMVA?

The GMVA stands for Gender Motivated Violence Act. It is a New York City law (not statewide) that first became effective around 2000. It gives people who suffered gender-based violence (like sexual assault) the right to sue for money damages.

A “crime of violence motivated by gender” means any violent act done at least in part because of a person’s gender. This might include a sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, stalking, or more. You do not need a criminal conviction of the abuser to bring a civil claim.

Extended Time to File (Statute of Limitations)

Before this change, you had 7 years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under the GMVA. Now, you have 9 years. This gives survivors more breathing room to come forward once they are ready.

Two-Year Lookback Window

The new amendment also created a special 2-year period for survivors whose time to sue had already run out under the old law.

This is sometimes called a “lookback window.” It opened on March 1, 2023, and ended on February 28, 2025.

During that window, if your claim was too old before, you had a chance to file it again anyway. Even if the abuse happened decades ago, you could bring a case during that two-year period.

Wider Scope of Who May Be Liable

Under the amended GMVA, a survivor can sue not only the person who carried out the violent act but also anyone who helped, enabled, or conspired in it.

This might include an employer or an institution that ignored or hid the abuse, or a person who helped the abuser commit the violent act.

Why These Changes Matter

So many survivors wait years before speaking out. Trauma is complicated, and people can feel unsafe, unsure, or silenced. Can you sue for childhood trauma? In many cases, yes. Laws like the GMVA recognise the long-lasting effects of abuse and extend the time survivors have to take legal action. By extending the time to file, and by giving a special window to older claims, the law honors survivors’ need for time and healing.

Though the lookback window has now ended (in February 2025), the extended 9-year limit remains for cases moving forward. This means if the abuse happened recently, you may still have up to 9 years to file.

What If I Missed the Lookback Window?

As of May 2025, the lookback window for older cases has closed. If you did not file by February 28, 2025, and your claim was already beyond the old limit, you may no longer bring that specific older claim under the GMVA.

But if your assault happened in the last 9 years, you should still be able to file. Let us review your situation and see what options exist. Other laws may also help you, such as the Adult Survivors Act or the Child Victims Act if you were underage at the time.

Even if you think you have missed a deadline, please reach out to our team. We can look carefully at your case. Sometimes there are exceptions or other approaches.

Filing a Lawsuit Under the GMVA: What to Expect

First, we suggest you reach out to an attorney for a free, private conversation about your situation. You will explain what happened and ask questions. At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, we keep your story confidential.

Gathering Evidence

Next, if you choose to move forward, we will collect evidence. This can include medical records, police reports, witness statements, or journals you kept. We can also look at text messages or other evidence that shows what happened.

Filing the Lawsuit

If you decide to file a civil lawsuit under the GMVA (or another law), our lawyers will draft legal papers and file them with the court. The papers will explain how you were harmed and who is responsible. We may include claims against an institution, such as a workplace, school, or other group, if they allowed the abuse to continue.

Legal Process (Discovery, Motions, Trial, or Settlement)

Discovery: This is the period where both sides share information. You might give statements under oath (depositions), and so might the people you accuse. We also request documents or other proof from them.
Motions: Sometimes, the other side may try to have the case dismissed. We will fight on your behalf if that happens.
Trial or Settlement: Many cases end in a settlement, where the abuser or an institution pays a sum of money to the survivor. If not, we go to trial and argue your case before a judge or jury.

Compensation

If you win or reach a settlement, you can receive money for things like pain and suffering, medical bills, therapy, and more. Courts can also grant punitive damages if the abuse was especially cruel. If you win, the abuser might also have to pay your attorney’s fees.

How the Sexual Abuse Attorneys of Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP Can Help

We know the law can be confusing, especially if the abuse happened long ago. Laws also change over time. The GMVA is a powerful New York City law that lets survivors of gender-based violence file a civil lawsuit. With a recent amendment, survivors now have more time and more options to sue.

We can help by:

- Explaining how the new amendment might apply to your case
- Reviewing the timeline for filing a lawsuit under the GMVA
- Exploring if other claims (like assault and battery) also apply

Standing by you in court and fighting for the maximum compensation possible
Helping to hold any responsible institutions accountable if they allowed or ignored the abuse

At Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, we have handled many sexual abuse cases with care. We are proud to stand beside you and help you find your way forward.

Why Choose Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP

We are a team of passionate attorneys who focus on helping survivors of abuse. We handle both current and older claims, and we understand how laws like the GMVA, the Child Victims Act, and other statutes work together. Protecting your children from sexual abuse starts with awareness and strong advocacy. Our goal is to empower survivors so they can find closure, healing, and financial relief.

Our Experience

We have worked on many cases involving sexual abuse, including some filed under special lookback windows.
We know how to show that an act was motivated by gender-based bias if needed.
We are prepared to hold big institutions accountable for failing to stop abuse.

Our Approach

Compassion: We listen without judgment. We believe you.
Clear Guidance: Legal details can be tough, but we will break it down step by step.
Aggressive Representation: We are fierce in court and at the negotiation table. We will not back down from fighting for your rights.

Our Promise to You

We will keep your story private.
We will work hard so you feel informed about your legal options.
We will put your well-being first, always.

Why This Matters to Survivors

Some survivors never had the chance to sue because the old deadlines passed before they were ready. Now, thanks to the GMVA amendment (and other recent laws like the Adult Survivors Act), many people had a window to bring their old cases. Even though that window is closed now, the extended 9-year limit still offers more time for survivors going forward.

Stopping Repeat Abusers

When survivors file lawsuits, they shine a light on wrongdoing. This can stop an abuser from continuing the same harmful behavior. It also sends a message that violence has real consequences.

Financial Relief

Therapy, medical care, lost wages — these damages add up. A civil lawsuit can help survivors get the money they need to rebuild. You deserve support, and the law provides ways to seek compensation from those who harmed you.

Healing and Justice

While nothing can erase the trauma, many survivors find relief in speaking their truth and holding the abuser accountable. Justice for victims of childhood sexual abuse can take many forms, but taking legal action is often a powerful step. It is a step toward healing. You do not have to carry the burden alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything up front? Many sexual abuse attorneys, including Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP, handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing unless we win or settle your case.
Is there a way to keep my name private? Yes, in many cases, survivors can file a lawsuit under “Jane Doe” or “John Doe.” We can discuss how to protect your privacy, especially in sensitive matters.
Will I have to face my abuser in court? Not always. Many cases settle before trial. But if it goes to trial, you may need to testify in person or by video. We help prepare you for what to expect.
Can I still file if the abuse happened outside New York City? The GMVA is a New York City law. However, other state or federal laws might apply if the abuse happened elsewhere. We can talk with you about other legal paths.
Do I have to file a police report? No, filing a civil lawsuit is separate from any criminal case. However, we often encourage survivors to report if they feel comfortable. It is your choice.

Contact Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP

If you or someone you love experienced gender-based violence in New York City, talk to us about the new amendment to the GMVA. We are ready to help.

Talking about gender-based violence is hard. Deciding to file a lawsuit can be scary. But you do not have to go through it alone. Our entire team at Hach Rose Schirripa & Cheverie LLP stands by your side with respect, compassion, and legal know-how.

Your story matters. If you feel ready, take the next step toward healing. Call us today or reach out through our website. Let us help you seek justice and begin to move forward.