In a move hailed by abuse survivor advocates and survivors alike, the New York City Council has voted to override former Mayor Eric Adams’ veto of Introduction 1297-A, the Gender-Motivated Violence Act, marking a historic victory for survivors of sexual abuse in New York City.
This bill creates a civil cause of action for crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred prior to January 9, 2022. The claims brought under this law must commence within 18 months. Any person who brought a claim between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, that meets the requirements of a cause of action under this law may amend or refile their claim to add a cause of action under this section.
The bill is an important piece of legislation that underscores the trauma of gender motivated sexual abuse and violence as well as an appreciation that it takes time for survivors to come forward in order to seek justice. The council’s forward-thinking vote will allow survivors to seek justice in the civil courts something Mayor Adams’ veto had prevented them from doing.
