After the Adult Survivors Act: What Legal Options Remain for Sexual Abuse Survivors in New York?

By the New York Sexual Abuse Lawyers at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf

The closure of New York’s Adult Survivors Act (ASA) lookback window in November 2023 brought an end to a powerful but temporary opportunity for adult survivors of sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits, regardless of when the abuse occurred. For one year, survivors could hold their abusers accountable in civil court, even if the statute of limitations had previously expired.

High-profile lawsuits against figures like Harvey Weinstein and Sean “Diddy” Combs helped bring national attention to the ASA and encouraged others to come forward. These cases underscored a broader truth: many survivors remain silenced for years, if not decades, before feeling ready or safe to seek justice.

But with the ASA window now closed, many survivors are left wondering: What now?

Extended Timeframes Still Exist for Certain Cases

New York has taken steps in recent years to extend civil statutes of limitations for survivors of sexual abuse. If the abuse occurred after February 14, 2019 there may still be time to file a civil claim.

NYC Law Offers Another Avenue: Gender-Motivated Violence Claims

Even if the ASA no longer applies, you may be eligible under a lesser-known but powerful tool: the Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGMVPL). This law allows survivors of sexual abuse who suffered emotional and/or physical injuries to file civil claims against individuals and institutions so long as the abuse occurred within the five boroughs and was motivated by gender. Such actions must be filed within shall be commenced within seven years after the alleged crime of violence motivated by gender.

Future Legislative Efforts Are Underway

There is mounting public and legislative interest in reopening or replacing the ASA with a more permanent mechanism. Survivors’ advocates and lawmakers alike have acknowledged that trauma often delays disclosure—and one year may not have been enough.

The lawsuits and allegations involving Weinstein and Combs have contributed to a broader cultural shift. Public awareness is growing, and legislators are under increased pressure to create lasting access to justice for survivors.

Legal Strategies May Still Be Viable

Even outside of special windows and extensions, survivors may still have legal options, especially where:

The abuse was ongoing or involved a position of power (such as an employer or caregiver).
The abuser concealed their conduct or manipulated the survivor into silence.
Institutional negligence enabled the abuse (e.g., a university, entertainment company, or agency).

Legal doctrines such as equitable tolling or the continuing violation theory may apply.

Speak With a New York Sexual Abuse Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one missed the ASA deadline or are unsure about your options, we encourage you to speak with a qualified attorney. At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we have decades of experience helping survivors pursue justice through complex litigation—including high-profile and sensitive cases.

Call 212-943-1090 for a free and confidential consultation or visit www.gairgair.com.