Published on Thursday, February 19, 2026 by Staff
In May of last year (2025), NYC Councilperson Selvena N. Brooks-Powers introduced legislation that would create a civil cause of action for crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred prior to January 9, 2022. The legislation, NYC Council Introduction 1297 (the “Bill”), provided that:
“[a]ny person claiming to be injured by a party who commits, directs, enables, participates in, or conspires in the commission of a crime of violence motivated by gender may bring a civil claim against that party….Any person who brought a claim between March 1, 2023 and March 1, 2025 that would satisfy the requirements of a cause of action under this section may amend or refile their claim to add a cause of action under this section.”
The Bill was approved by the New York City Council and then sent to NYC Mayor Adams for his signature. At the end of December 2025 as his term was expiring, Mayor Adams vetoed the Bill preventing the Bill from becoming law. However, on January 29, 2026, the New York City Council voted to override Mayor Adams’ veto. The override means that the Bill is now law that applies in New York City’s five boroughs and enables victims of gender-motivated violence, whose claims are otherwise time-barred, to bring civil actions against the perpetrator of the abuse and any institution that enabled the violence/abuse to occur.
If you (or a loved one or family member) were the victim of gender-based violence, including childhood sexual abuse, perpetrated in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx or Staten Island, by a priest, clergy member, or staff member at a hospital, school, rehab or detention center, we would like to speak with you. Please keep in mind that under this new law, you have very limited time to bring a civil action against the abuser and any responsible party or institution. If you would like to speak with us to learn more about your potential rights, CONTACT US today.
Perhaps as strong and enduring as any other effects on a survivor of abuse are the shame and guilt that can be overwhelming and debilitating, compounded by a resulting mistrust of others and avoidance of any acknowledgment or conversation concerning the abuse. We recognize how difficult and oftentimes frightening acknowledging the abuse and describing it can be. Be assured that any conversation about your situation with our firm is confidential. When we respond to an inquiry, we do so with the sensitivity, respect, and discretion necessary to provide meaningful feedback. If you prefer to speak with us directly regarding your incident, please call The Meneo Law Group at 1-866-371-8506 1-866-371-8506 or send us a confidential email at confidentialinquiry@meneolawgroup.com.
Cases may be filed anonymously to protect the victim's identity.
If you prefer to speak with us directly regarding your incident, please call The Meneo Law Group at 1-866-371-8506 1-866-371-8506 or send us a confidential email.