Child & Gender-Based Abuse

Protecting Survivors’ Rights Under New York Law

New York has taken significant steps to expand legal protections for survivors of abuse through legislation such as the Child Victims Act (CVA) and the Adult Survivors Act / Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA).

The Child Victims Act extended the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, allowing individuals to bring civil claims until the age of 55 and expanding the timeframe for criminal prosecution. While prior revival windows for older claims have closed, survivors with timely claims still have powerful legal avenues available.

More recently, the Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) has created additional opportunities for survivors of gender-based violence to seek justice. Notably, New York has reopened a look-back window through July 2027, allowing certain previously time-barred claims to proceed in civil court.

Holding Institutions Accountable

These laws reflect a broader recognition that abuse is often enabled—or concealed—by institutions entrusted with the care of vulnerable individuals. Schools, religious organizations, healthcare providers, and other entities may be held accountable when they fail to protect those in their care or knowingly allow abuse to occur.

A Path Forward for Survivors

Survivors of abuse often face significant barriers to coming forward, including trauma, fear, and institutional pressure. Expanded legal protections are intended to provide a path toward accountability, acknowledgment, and recovery.

Sullivan Papain has decades of experience representing survivors in complex, sensitive litigation. We approach these cases with the care, discretion, and resources they demand.