The Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) is a powerful tool that provides survivors in New York City with a unique opportunity to pursue justice through civil lawsuits. With a limited lookback window in place, time is running out to file a claim. Survivors of gender-based violence whose claims have previously been barred by the statute of limitations (currently nine years) now have until February 28, 2025, to take legal action.
At the National Organization for Women – New York City (NOW-NYC), we believe that survivors of gender-based violence deserve every opportunity to seek justice. For too long, survivors have faced systemic barriers to accountability, often compounded by laws out of step with the science of trauma and the realities survivors face.
The GMVA is a critical step forward in supporting survivors and holding perpetrators and institutions accountable. But time is running out!
What Is the GMVA?
The GMVA, formally known as the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, was passed in 2000 after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Morrison stripped away key protections under the federal Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
This New York City law allows survivors of gender-based violence to file civil lawsuits for physical or emotional harm. Unlike criminal cases, which seek to punish the perpetrator on behalf of the state, civil lawsuits focus on holding the offender directly accountable to the survivor and providing compensation for the harm they caused.
Covered incidents include:
- Rape or sexual assault
- Domestic violence
- Physical or verbal assault or battery
- Sexual violence in the workplace
- Human trafficking
- False imprisonment
Survivors can file claims against the person who harmed them and/or institutions that enabled or concealed the abuse.
To qualify, the incident must have occurred in one of New York City’s five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, or Staten Island.
Limited Time to File: The Lookback Window
In 2022 the GMVA was amended to include a special two-year timeframe, a “lookback window,” that temporarily suspends the statute of limitations for previously time-barred claims. This window, open until February 28, 2025, allows survivors to file a civil claim for incidents that occurred at any time in their lives. After February 28, 2025, individuals will have only nine years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
For survivors whose claims were previously time-barred, this is a unique opportunity to seek justice. The lookback window acknowledges that healing from trauma, such as sexual assault, can take time and that survivors must be empowered to come forward on their own terms. Since the Adult Survivors Act (ASA) lookback window closed in November 2023, the GMVA is now the only way for survivors in New York City to pursue civil claims for past incidents of gender-based violence.
Individuals should act quickly to protect their right to file.
How We’re Supporting Survivors
NOW-NYC is dedicated to helping survivors understand their rights and access the legal support they deserve. Through partnerships with organizations and community groups, we are spreading awareness about the closing GMVA lookback window. If you believe you may have a claim under the GMVA, don’t wait—reach out today.
- Legal Referral Service (New York City Bar):
- Call 212-626-7373 (English), or 212-626-7374 (Español).
- NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline:
- Call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for immediate safety planning, shelter assistance and more.
- National Organization for Women – New York City:
- For General Questions: [email protected].
- Crumiller – The Feminist Litigation Firm
- For Legal Help: [email protected].
Our Commitment to Survivors
The GMVA represents a hard-fought victory for survivors and advocates. As the lookback window’s deadline approaches, we are intensifying our efforts to ensure survivors know their rights and feel supported in their pursuit of justice.
Time is limited, but your voice and rights matter. If you or someone you know has experienced gender-based violence, reach out to learn more about how to take action under the GMVA. The time to act is NOW.