If you’ve been harmed because of your gender, New York City law provides a powerful tool to seek justice. The NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA) gives survivors the right to bring civil lawsuits against those responsible for gender-based assaults and harassment. At Lipsky Lowe LLP, our gender motivated violence attorneys in NYC are here to help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue meaningful compensation.

What Is Gender-Motivated Violence?

Gender-motivated violence occurs when someone commits a violent act against another person, at least in part, because of that person’s gender. Unlike workplace discrimination or harassment, which may involve verbal abuse or unfair treatment, gender-motivated violence usually involves physical force or threats of force.

Examples include:

  • Sexual assault or attempted assault
  • Domestic or dating violence is tied to gender hostility
  • Stalking, harassment, or threats involving gender bias
  • Physical assaults motivated by someone’s gender identity or gender expression

These acts can be committed against anyone—women, men, transgender, non-binary, or gender-nonconforming individuals. What matters is that the violence was motivated, at least in part, by gender.

The NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act (GMVA)

The GMVA is a local law that empowers survivors of gender-motivated violence to file civil lawsuits in New York City. Importantly, the GMVA is separate from criminal law. That means even if a perpetrator is never arrested, or if prosecutors decline to bring charges, a survivor may still pursue justice through a civil case.

Under the GMVA, survivors can seek:

  • Compensatory damages for physical, emotional, and financial harm
  • Punitive damages are designed to punish especially egregious conduct
  • Injunctive relief to prevent further harm
  • Attorney’s fees and costs, which make it easier for victims to come forward

This law reflects New York City’s commitment to giving survivors of gender-based violence stronger legal remedies beyond the criminal system.

Deadlines to File a GMVA Claim

Survivors generally have seven years from the date of the violent act to file a GMVA lawsuit. This statute of limitations is longer than that of many other employment and civil rights laws, giving survivors more time to process their trauma and make informed decisions.

In some instances—such as when the victim was a minor at the time of the assault—the filing window may be extended. Still, it is essential to act as quickly as possible. Evidence is stronger and legal options are broader when claims are filed without unnecessary delay.

How the GMVA Complements Title VII and the NYCHRL

Gender-based violence can occur in many contexts, including the workplace, so the GMVA interacts with other laws, such as:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits sex-based discrimination and harassment at work, but it does not provide a civil cause of action for gender-based violence itself.
    The New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) offers broader protections than federal law, including potent remedies for sexual harassment and hostile work environments.
  • The GMVA fills a critical gap. It allows survivors to hold perpetrators directly accountable for acts of violence, even outside of the workplace, and it can be pursued alongside Title VII or NYCHRL claims when workplace violence overlaps with discrimination or harassment.

By combining these claims, attorneys can seek the most comprehensive possible remedies for survivors, ranging from financial damages to workplace reforms.

How a Gender Motivated Violence Attorney in NYC Can Help

Pursuing a GMVA claim is not something you need to face alone. An experienced gender motivated violence attorney can:

  • Investigate and document the violent incident or incidents
  • Identify whether claims can be brought under the GMVA, NYCHRL, or other laws
  • File a lawsuit and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings
  • Seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional harm
  • Provide compassionate, trauma-informed advocacy throughout the legal process

At Lipsky Lowe, we combine legal knowledge with sensitivity to the challenges faced by survivors. Let us shoulder the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Talk to a NYC Gender Motivated Violence Attorney Today

If you have been the victim of gender-motivated assault or harassment in New York City, you have the right to take action. The GMVA gives survivors a path to hold perpetrators accountable and recover damages, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

At Lipsky Lowe LLP, we are ready to stand by your side. Our attorneys understand how to utilize the GMVA in conjunction with other civil rights protections to maximize your recovery. Contact us today to speak with a gender motivated violence attorney in NYC and take the first step toward justice.